In the small town of Centerville, South Dakota, a tragic event unfolded on the evening of May 27, 2024, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Paul Frankus. The incident, which also claimed the lives of his 21-year-old brother, Zachary Frankus, and 35-year-old Timothy Richmond, has been ruled a triple homicide. Paul, a Caucasian male, was remembered for his laughter and strong work ethic.
He had a passion for the outdoors, often enjoying camping, fishing, and kayaking.
The events of that fatal night began to unravel with a frantic 911 call from Zachary Frankus at 9:44 p.m. He reported that his brother, Paul, had been shot by a neighbor. During the call, the line went silent after Zachary himself was shot. When law enforcement arrived at the Centerville home, they discovered the bodies of all three men, who had died from gunshot wounds.
As officers were securing the scene, they encountered 64-year-old Jay Edward Ostrem, the former mayor of Centerville, leaving the residence. He was taken into custody and found to be in possession of an AR-style rifle and a handgun. Ostrem, who smelled of alcohol at the time of his arrest, was subsequently charged with three counts of first-degree murder.
The motive for the killings appears to be rooted in an accusation of sexual assault. According to court documents, Ostrem's wife had informed him that Paul Frankus had sexually assaulted her a few days prior to the shootings. She told investigators that upon hearing this, her husband "went raging out of the house." Ostrem has since been indicted on nine felony counts, including murder and murder during the commission of a burglary. He has entered pleas of not guilty, not guilty by reason of insanity, and not guilty but mentally ill. He is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.
