Former South Dakota mayor arrested and charged with 3 counts of murder

CENTERVILLE, S.D. (TCD) -- A 64-year-old former city councilman and mayor was arrested this week on suspicion of fatally shooting three people.

The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office announced Tuesday, May 28, that Jay Ostrem is being charged with three counts of first-degree murder in connection with killings that occurred Monday, May 27, at approximately 10 p.m.

According to court documents cited by the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, one of the victims, 21-year-old Zach Frankus, called the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at around 9:45 p.m. and said his brother, 26-year-old Paul Frankus, had been shot and killed. Zach Frankus reportedly said the shooter had returned and also shot him. He stopped responding to dispatch after several minutes.

A South Dakota Games, Fish, and Parks officer saw Ostrem leave the Frankus home and ordered him to get on the ground. Ostrem allegedly did not initially comply, but eventually followed orders. The Argus Leader reports Ostrem was armed with a .380 caliber handgun, an AR-style rifle, and spent shell casings, and smelled like alcohol. Ostrem also had an injury to his left hand that was bleeding.

Deputies entered the home and found the Frankus brothers and 25-year-old Timothy Richmond deceased.

Court documents reportedly say detectives spoke with Ostrem’s wife, who said she and Paul Frankus were drinking together on May 23. Frankus allegedly kissed her without her consent and exposed himself. She told her husband on May 27 and he went "raging out of the house."

Ostrem’s wife reportedly said she did not see him leave the house armed but noted he keeps guns in their home and likely his car.

According to the Argus Leader, Ostrem became mayor of Centerville in 2010, though the former police chief reportedly accused him of sexual harassment. They settled the lawsuit.

Ostrem is being held at the Minnehaha County Jail with bond set at $1 million cash.