Ramsey County releases new wanted poster in Kelly Phillips killing

A new wanted poster was released Thursday for a man who allegedly shot and killed his former boyfriend and business partner in a gas station parking lot in Arden Hills.

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office issued a new poster for Lyle Marvin "Ty" Hoffman, who is wanted in connection with the August 11 slaying of Kelly Phillips, 48, an attorney and Boston Scientific vice president. Hoffman, 44, was charged with one count of intentional second-degree murder in Ramsey County District Court last week in the case.

The new wanted poster features a reward of up to $10,000 offered by Crime Stoppers and several photos of Hoffman. The poster reads that Hoffman should be considered armed and dangerous. The handgun used in the shooting has not been recovered.

"We are looking for him in a very wide area," said Inspector Rob Allen with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, in an interview.

Investigators are following leads that Hoffman may have fled the state, according to the release. On Thursday, authorities did another ground search for Hoffman in undeveloped areas in Blaine, the last place where investigators knew him to be, Allen said.

"Hoffman is known to associate within the gay community and investigators believe that he may use Grindr, Craig's List, Scruff, or other applications to find shelter," the poster read.

Authorities don't know what aliases or email addresses he is using on the applications, Allen said.

No one else has been arrested in connection with the case, Allen said. Last week, investigators said they believe that an unknown person or persons had been in touch with Hoffman.

To share any information or report a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).