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Trial ordered for Minn. man accused of killing ex-boyfriend, business partner

Trial ordered for Minn. man accused of killing ex-boyfriend, business partner
Kelly Phillips
Kelly Phillips was gunned down on Aug. 11. Facebook
Lyle
Lyle “Ty” Hoffman has been arrested in connection with Kelly Phillips’ murder.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota man will stand trial for allegedly killing his ex-boyfriend and business partner at a suburban St. Paul gas station.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports a judge found probable cause Friday for the case to move to trial.

Lyle “Ty” Hoffman pleaded not guilty Friday to intentional second-degree murder in the shooting of 48-year-old Kelly Phillips at an Arden Hills gas station Aug. 11.

Hoffman eluded police during a monthlong search, which ended Sept. 11 when a witness spotted him outside an Arby’s restaurant in Shakopee and called 911.

Hoffman, 44, is charged with one count of intentional second-degree murder in the death of Phillips, an attorney and a vice president for the medical device company Boston Scientific.

He’s also accused of robbing a bank in Blaine.

Phillips owned Lush nightclub, a gay bar in Minneapolis, that he opened with Hoffman in 2009. While Hoffman worked at the bar, Phillips’ involvement was primarily financial.

Friends and family have said the men’s personal and business lives had strained. Hoffman had been fired from the bar, and Phillips evicted him from a residence he owned across from the club. Phillips had also been preparing to marry another man.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
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