Trial Ordered In Gas Station Killing Near St. Paul

ST. PAUL (AP) -- A 44-year-old man will stand trial for allegedly killing his ex-boyfriend and business partner at a suburban St. Paul gas station.

Reports say a judge found probable cause Friday for the case to move to trial.

Lyle "Ty" Hoffman pleaded not guilty Friday to intentional second-degree murder in the shooting of 48-year-old Kelly Phillips at an Arden Hills gas station August 11th.

Hoffman eluded police during a monthlong search, which ended September 11th when a witness spotted him outside an Arby's restaurant in Shakopee and called 911.

He's also accused of robbing a bank in Blaine.

The pair had opened Lush Food Bar, a popular gay club in Minneapolis, in 2009.

Court documents described Phillips as the owner and Hoffman as the manager.