August 23, 2014
Is Accused Killer Using Social Media to Stay Ahead of the Law?
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Ramsey County authorities say the man suspected of shooting and killing his former lover early last week is likely relying on social media to find shelter while on the run from authorities.
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office said on a "wanted" poster Thursday that 44-year-old Lyle "Ty" Hoffman could be evading capture by using Craigslist and gay dating applications such as Grindr and Scruff.
Hoffman is accused of killing 48-year-old Kelly Phillips, a Boston Scientific executive. They drove to an Arden Hills gas station Aug. 11, and Phillips was shot in the head and back as he tried to run from the gunman.
Prosecutors have charged him with second-degree murder and issued a national warrant for his arrest.
Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who aids in his arrest and eventual conviction.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
