Former Mayor and Ex-Law Enforcement Officer Charged with Triple Homicide in South Dakota

A former law enforcement officer and mayor of Centerville Jay Ostrem, 64, was jailed on $1 million cash-only bond on three counts of first-degree murder

Jay Ostrem, 64, a former law enforcement officer and one-time mayor of Centerville, South Dakota, has been charged with the murders of three individuals. Ostrem is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond, facing three counts of first-degree murder, according to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

The victims were identified in a probable cause affidavit as brothers Paul Frankus, 26, and Zach Frankus, 21, along with Timothy Richmond, 35.

Ostrem, who has over two decades of law enforcement experience in Wyoming and South Dakota, served as mayor of Centerville, a small town of fewer than 1,000 residents, located approximately 40 miles south of Sioux Falls, about 15 years ago.

The home in Centerville, South Dakota where a triple homicide took place on Monday nght

The tragic incident began when Zach Frankus called police at 9:44 PM on Monday, reporting that his brother had been shot by "a guy from across the street" who had then returned home. During the call, Zach Frankus, described as "frantic," was also shot and ceased responding to the dispatcher.

Responding officers arrived at the scene to find Ostrem leaving the home identified as the location of the shooting. He initially ignored commands to stop but eventually complied by lying on the ground, where he was arrested. An AR-style rifle was found nearby, and Ostrem had a handgun in his pocket. He was noted to be bleeding from his left hand and smelled of alcohol.

Officers visited the home where the call originated, above, and found all three victims

Upon entering the home where the call originated, officers discovered the bodies of the three victims.

Ostrem's wife, who is British, informed police that her neighbor, Paul Frankus, had sexually assaulted her on the previous Thursday. She disclosed this to Ostrem on the night of the shootings after the pair had been drinking. According to the report, Frankus forcibly kissed her, exposed himself, and pressed against her. Following her account, Ostrem "went raging out of the house."

Jay Ostrem is pictured in 2009 when he worked as the Turner County Sheriff Investigator

She stated that Ostrem did not tell her where he was going and did not leave armed, though weapons were kept in their home and likely in his car.

Ostrem was booked into Minnehaha County Jail on Tuesday morning. Attorney General Jackley confirmed Ostrem's arrest and charges, stating, "There is no further threat to the public."

Ostrem's initial court appearance is scheduled for 3 PM on Wednesday.

The home of the former mayor and law enforcement officer