Skip to main content

Law Grad Connected to Murder of Doctor, a Mental Health Reminder

By Betty Wang, JD on November 21, 2013 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

A recent law graduate has been named as the only suspect tied to the death of a doctor. Ted Hoffstrom, 30, allegedly murdered Dr. Stephen Larson over the weekend in his home, WCCO-TV reports. Hoffstrom also died himself in the incident.

Larson was a 74-year-old obstetrician who had delivered Hoffstrom. Hoffstrom, who was born prematurely and endured mental and physical ailments because of it, had always allegedly traced his issues to his delivery.

A Tragic Death

The sheriff's dispatch revealed the conversation where officers could be heard asking for a Taser, discussing Hoffstrom's gun, and the fact that Hoffstrom was despondent. He apparently fired shots and died at the scene, as well.

Larson was found inside his home, already dead from multiple gunshot wounds. While certain details about the case have not been divulged due to patient privacy purposes, officers are fairly certain that Hoffstrom is responsible for this death.

Larson was apparently on the phone with a patient on Friday night when Hoffstrom allegedly showed up at his house. The patient on the other line was the one who called 911.

Reminder: Help Is Available

Hoffstrom, who graduated from St. Thomas law school in 2009, was sworn in as an attorney just three weeks ago, WCCO reports. It is currently unknown whether or not he was employed at the time of his death.

All joking matters aside, law school and the legal sector is not only a stressful environment in general, but it can take a toll on the mental well-being of those who are not equipped to handle the pressure on top of other personal and health concerns.

This tragic piece of news should serve as a reminder to law students and attorneys alike that one's mental health is crucial. If you are feeling at all anxious, burned out, depressed, or just that your mental state is a bit off, don't be ashamed or hesitate to seek help. There are many resources available for both attorneys and law students out there.

Want more? Follow us on LinkedIn.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard