The tragedy
Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Frank has passed away at 26 years old. She died on Monday surrounded by her family after spending three days in critical condition. The tragedy follows a shooting that occurred on Friday night at a home in Sioux Falls.
The situation
Deputies arrived at the scene on Friday, and gunfire broke out approximately 30 minutes later. Both Frank and the suspect were treated at the location before being rushed to local hospitals. Brandon John Oetken, 39, of Sioux Falls, is currently facing three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Jail records also indicate a felony charge for disarming an officer. Oetken remains in custody without bond.
What happens next
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is now handling the probe at the request of the sheriff’s office. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley noted that this was the fifth incident involving law enforcement officers in the state this year. His office is currently reviewing the use of force during the encounter, with a public report expected to drop within the next month. It is currently unclear if prosecutors will upgrade the charges against Oetken now that Frank has died.
Why it matters
Frank, who had been with the sheriff’s office since June 2024, is being remembered for her professionalism and dedication to the community. In a final act of service, the sheriff’s office shared that she was an organ donor. This is a heavy situation for the Sioux Falls community, and it's giving everyone a moment to reflect on the risks officers take daily.
