Tipster Will Get $40K Reward For Ty Hoffman's Arrest

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Friends and family of Kelly Phillips said Tuesday that the anonymous tipster who led authorities to suspected murder Ty Hoffman will receive the full $40,000 reward.

The tipster called police in Shakopee last Thursday morning after spotting Hoffman in the Southbridge Crossing Shopping Center. Hoffman, who has been charged with second-degree intentional murder in the August shooting death of Phillips, his ex-boyfriend and business partner, was arrested outside the Arby's restaurant without incident.

The shooting took place at an Arden Hills gas station after the two were seen arguing, according to court documents. Hoffman is also suspected of robbing a Blaine bank on Labor Day weekend. Hoffman spent about a month on the run from authorities and was spotted at locations including the Anoka County Airport, near Mystic Lake Casino and finally in Shakopee before his arrest.

Phillips was an executive at Boston Scientific, and was also Hoffman's former boyfriend and business partner.

The friends and family of Phillips released a statement Tuesday. The tipster who will receive the reward has wished to remain anonymous.

"It is a fitting tribute to Kelly's work in our community that the community itself was so active in pursuit of justice. Words cannot express the thanks we extend to the individual who led law enforcement to the suspect. We thank all who stayed alert and called in tips, and we thank the individuals and businesses who donated so generously to the reward fund," the statement reads.

Though Hoffman is in the Ramsey County Jail, authorities said the suspected murder weapon used in Phillips' death has not been located.