(OurNationNews.com) – The former mayor of a small town in South Dakota is facing three charges of first degree murder. Jay Ostrem is a 64-year old man who served as mayor of Centerville, South Dakota nearly 15 years ago. Court files from May 28 say Ostrem allegedly murdered three individuals with a “premeditated design.”
The three victims in the shooting that occurred on May 27 are Paul Frankus, 26, Zach Frankus, 21, and Timothy Richmond, 35. Ostrem’s wife told the police that she was drinking with Paul Frankus on May 23. She said Frankus kissed her and showed his genitals without her consent.
Ostrem’s wife told him about the incident on the evening of the murders. After she told Ostrem about what happened between her and Frankus days earlier, Ostrem was angry and stormed out of the house. She said that Ostrem didn’t say where he was going. She said he didn’t leave with a weapon, but acknowledged that he may have had a weapon in the car.
When authorities arrived on the scene, they saw Ostrem exit the house. He initially didn’t respond to the officer’s orders to stop, but eventually laid down on the ground. There was blood coming from Ostrem’s hand and he reeked of alcohol. He also had two weapons, including an AR-style rifle and a handgun.
Ostrem previously worked as a police officer in Wyoming for over 20 years. In 2001, a lawsuit was filed that alleged Ostrem used excessive force that led to the death of the plaintiff’s husband. He was responding to a report of domestic abuse. The judge dismissed the charges.
Ostrem also settled a lawsuit that was brought against him for assault while he was the mayor of Centerville. Rachel Kopman, the police chief, said Ostrem frequently made suggestive remarks to her for over a year while she was working as the police chief. No details were provided or discussed regarding the terms of the settlement.
Copyright 2024, OurNationNews.com
