Centerville, South Dakota – A shocking triple homicide in Centerville, South Dakota has left the community in shock as former mayor Jay Ostrem has been arrested and charged with the fatal shooting of three individuals. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, resulted in the deaths of Paul Frankus, Zach Frankus, and Timothy Richmond. Ostrem, 64, who served as the mayor of Centerville nearly 15 years ago, is facing three counts of first-degree murder and is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
Authorities reported that gunfire was heard at a Centerville home late Monday night, leading to the discovery of the victims. According to court documents, Zach Frankus, one of the victims, reported the shooting, stating that his brother had been shot and killed by a man with a shotgun who then returned to the home. When authorities arrived, they witnessed Ostrem leaving the residence, eventually complying with commands to stop before being apprehended.
Ostrem, a former mayor with a background in law enforcement, was found to be in possession of weapons, including an AR-style rifle and a handgun, along with spent shotgun shell casings. The events leading to the tragic incident began when Ostrem’s wife informed him of an incident involving Paul Frankus, leading him to leave the house in a rage without revealing his destination.
Ostrem, who hails from Gillette, Wyoming, has a history of serving in law enforcement, including roles as a Turner County Sheriff’s Office investigator and deputy. Archives reveal that he was involved in a high-profile trial in 2010, contributing to the conviction of an individual for the murder of a sheriff’s deputy. Additionally, Ostrem was embroiled in a legal battle for alleged sexual harassment during his time as mayor of Centerville, settling the lawsuit with the plaintiff, former police chief Rachel Kopman.
While Ostrem’s initial court appearance is pending, questions remain about the motivations behind the tragic events that unfolded in Centerville. The community grapples with the aftermath of the triple homicide, seeking answers and closure in the wake of such devastating loss.