Fiancé, Family Still Shaken After Hoffman's Arrest
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Friends of Kelly Phillips say they feel shaken and broken even after the arrest of Ty Hoffman.
Nathon Bailey, Phillips' fiancé, cannot even say Hoffman's name.
"Today's events won't bring Kelly back," Bailey said. "It won't bring him back to life, and that is what all I think about every second."
Bailey, who was slated to marry Phillips last month, faced TV cameras Thursday still shaken, still broken.
"No amount of justice will heal the broken heart I will carry with me forever," he said.
Bailey thanked friends for their support, law enforcement for their efforts and a community that stood behind him during his darkest hours.
"I hope that today provides a renewed sense of safety to our family, our friends and the community," he said. "I pray that because of today justice can soon be served."
The news of Hoffman's arrest echoed all the way to Iowa, where Phillips' family lives.
"I would imagine there would be some closure, but not entirely, because I don't know if we will ever get over this," said Judy Phillips, Kelly's mother.
She says that although her heart is in pieces she is thankful Hoffman is now in custody.
"I'm glad he is off the street," she said, "and that nobody else has been hurt."
For the loved ones left behind, the healing process has not begun yet.
"I thought I would feel a sense of relief," Bailey said, "but it just stirs everything up again, and everything feels really raw and devastating again."
Bailey says he hopes people can now focus on Phillips' legacy -- not the man who took his life.
