Ty Hoffman Gets 25.5-Year Sentence For Ex's Murder

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The man accused of killing his former boyfriend and business partner at an Arden Hills gas station was sentenced Tuesday to 25.5 years in prison.

In January, Ty Hoffman pleaded guilty to intentional second-degree murder of Kelly Phillips on August 11, 2014.

As Phillips' family walked out of the courthouse following sentencing, they shared their relief that they could begin the healing process.

We're "relieved that it's over with and he'll be put away now," Phillips' mother said.

Philips fiancé Nathon Bailey said since Philips' death, life has been "a hellish prison" and that no amount of prison time for Hoffman would offer justice for the memories that haunt him.

Hoffman's family members said they were appalled by some of the statements made by Phillips' family, and that it was difficult for a sentencing to happen on Hoffman's birthday.

"All I can say is Ty is not a violent person, and I don't believe he would ever, ever hurt anybody ever again," Hoffman's sister Connie Cole said.

Philips' father said life won't ever be the same without his son, but that he wouldn't let Hoffman rob his family of any more of their time.

"That nightmare happened, and we're dealing with it, and with the support of everybody, we're going to make it," Jim Philipps said.

While driving, they got into an argument about their ownership of Lush Food Bar in Minneapolis. That's when Hoffman said he pulled into a Holiday gas station and shot Phillips three times.

Hoffman took off and what followed was a month-long manhunt across the Twin Cities. He was later found at an Arby's in Shakopee.

Hoffman's sentence dictated that at least 17 of those years will be supervised in prison.

Five family members -- including his parents, brother, aunt, and fiancé -- gave impact statements.

Hoffman told prosecutors he was driving Phillips to work that day, so he could borrow his car.

Hoffman declined to comment following statements. The judge presiding called out Hoffman for not having the courage to admit his wrong to Phillips' family.

Following sentencing, the judge told family members, "Folks, he is not worth your time."