Jay Ostrem, 65
SALEM, S.D. (KFGO) – A jury has found the former mayor of Centerville, South Dakota guilty of three counts of first-degree murder.
Jay Ostrem, 65, was convicted in the 2024 triple murder of 26-year-old Paul Frankus, 21-year-old Zachary Frankus and 35-year-old Timothy Richmond.
The shootings happened around 10 p.m. on May 27 the 1000 block of Main Street. According to court records, one of the victims called 911 saying their family member had been shot by “a guy from across the street.”
In an interview with investigators, a female family member of Ostrem’s said, on the night of the shootings, she told Ostrem she had been previously sexually assaulted by a neighbor after a night of drinking. She said Ostrem left the home in a rage.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 14. The maximum sentence is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“Today’s verdict delivers justice for the victims and their loved ones. We are grateful for the hard work of law enforcement and prosecutors, and we continue to keep the families in our thoughts,” said Attorney General Jackley.
The trial was held in the McCook County Courthouse in Salem because the Turner County Courthouse is under construction.
Centerville is about 40 miles south of Sioux Falls.
South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) led the investigation. The case was prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Turner County State’s Office.
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