Centerville, South Dakota – A former mayor of Centerville, South Dakota, has been arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Jay Edward Ostrem, 64, allegedly murdered three men on Monday night after his wife claimed one of them sexually assaulted her a few days prior. The incident took place in Centerville, about 40 miles south of Sioux Falls. The victims have been identified as Paul Frankus, 26, Zachary Frankus, 21, and Timothy Richmond, 35.
According to an arrest affidavit, Zachary Frankus called 911 to report a shooting at around 10 p.m. on the 1000 block of Main Street. Moments later, he was shot and stopped communicating with the dispatcher. A South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Conservation officer arrived at the scene and encountered Ostrem exiting the home’s garage. Despite being instructed to stop, Ostrem continued walking until the officer commanded him to get on the ground. Ostrem complied and admitted to having a gun in his pocket.
Upon entering the home, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of the three victims, all of whom had suffered gunshot wounds. Ostrem lives nearby and his wife informed investigators that she had confronted him about the sexual assault earlier that evening, which prompted him to leave the house. She denied having any knowledge of his intentions or whether he was armed at the time. The police found an AR-style rifle, a .380 pistol in Ostrem’s pocket, and multiple shotgun and rifle shell casings on his person. He also had blood on his hand and smelled of alcohol.
Ostrem, a former mayor of Centerville and a city council member, previously served as a sheriff’s deputy in Turner County. He was once sued for sexual harassment by the city’s police chief but the lawsuit was settled. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley assured the public that there is no further threat. Ostrem is currently being held without bond at the Minnehaha County Jail.
This tragic incident has left three men dead and the community of Centerville in shock. Investigations are ongoing to gather more information about the circumstances leading to the murders and to ensure that justice is served.