Law grad shot by police was upset at care provided by doctor he allegedly killed
The University of St. Thomas law grad believed to have killed a Minnesota physician was upset about the medical care provided to his mother, police say.
Ted Hoffstrom, 30, of St. Anthony was killed by police on Friday outside the home of Dr. Stephen Larson, who was found dead inside. Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek provided a few additional details about the case at a news conference on Monday, report the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Hoffstrom “had recently expressed hostility” about the treatment provided by Larson to Hoffstrom’s mother, Stanek said. The sheriff would not comment on the nature of the treatment or when it occurred.
Hoffstrom was armed with a semiautomatic handgun when police encountered him in Larson’s yard. Police shot Hoffstrom after “diligent attempts to negotiate with him,” Stanek said. Ballistics test showed Hoffstrom’s gun was used in Larson’s murder.
Police were called to Larson’s home when a person speaking with Larson on the phone heard a commotion and called 911.
Hoffstrom had graduated from the University of St. Thomas law school in 2009 and was sworn in as a lawyer last month after passing the bar exam, the Minneapolis Tribune says.
Some news stories have reported that Larson was the doctor who delivered Hoffstrom when he was born, but he is not the doctor listed on the birth certificate, the Pioneer Press says. Both of Hoffstrom’s parents are still living.
MyFox9.com talked to friends of Hoffman who said he had physical limitations with his hands that may have been a birth defect. CBS Minnesota cites unnamed sources who said Hoffstrom was born prematurely and blamed physical and mental issues on the delivery.
