Judge OKs trial in killing of Boston Scientific exec

Lyle "Ty" Hoffman
Lyle "Ty" Hoffman
Courtesy Ramsey County Sheriff's Department

A Ramsey County judge ruled Friday that the murder case against Lyle "Ty" Hoffman can go to trial.

In a brief hearing, Judge Leonardo Castro ruled there was sufficient probable cause in the case to move forward to trial. Castro also entered a "not guilty" plea on Hoffman's behalf.

Hoffman is charged in the killing of his ex-partner, Boston Scientific executive Kelly Phillips. Hoffman allegedly shot Phillips to death in the parking lot of a Holiday gas station in Arden Hills on Aug. 11. The two were former partners and business partners in the Lush Food Bar in Minneapolis.

Hoffman evaded police for weeks after Phillips' death and was arrested in Shakopee last month.

•Related: Hoffman bail set at $2 million in slaying of Boston Scientific exec
•Related: Fugitive Ty Hoffman arrested in Shakopee

Family and friends of Hoffman and Phillips were present at the hearing. No date was set for trial.

Hoffman is also a suspect in an August bank robbery in Blaine.

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