Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Riham Feshir

Hoffman pleads guilty in slaying of Boston Scientific exec

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Lyle "Ty" Hoffman
This photo provided by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department shows Lyle "Ty" Hoffman.
Courtesy Ramsey County Sheriff's Department

Lyle "Ty" Hoffman pleaded guilty Friday in the murder of Kelly Phillips, his partner and a former Boston Scientific executive.

Hoffman, 44, was charged with shooting Phillips to death in the parking lot of a Holiday gas station in Arden Hills on Aug. 11. He evaded police for weeks after Phillips' death and in that time was accused of robbing a bank in Blaine. He was eventually arrested in Shakopee.

A judge in October ruled there was sufficient probable cause in the case to move forward to trial and entered a "not guilty" plea on Hoffman's behalf.

Hoffman pleaded guilty on Friday to intentional second degree murder. Hoffman's attorney declined to comment on why Hoffman changed his plea.

According to the amended criminal complaint, Hoffman and Phillips lived together for about 15 years, but their relationship ended about five years ago. Together, they started Lush Food Bar in Minneapolis.

Hoffman continued to work there after their separation, and after Phillips became engaged to another man — an engagement that began a year to the day before Phillips was slain.

Hoffman was fired from the bar after Phillips noticed substantial shortages in the business' bank deposits, compared to what bar records showed, the complaint said. Hoffman was evicted from a home Phillips owned as the dispute widened and Hoffman refused a demand for more records from the bar.

"This plea spares the victim's family and everyone who loved Kelly Phillips the burden and uncertainty of a trial," Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said in a statement. "We also have every confidence that he will be held accountable for the additional crimes associated with the bank robbery in Blaine."