South Dakota Deputy Dies After Shooting; Suspect Faces Attempted Murder Charges

Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Frank, 26, has died three days after being critically wounded during a confrontation at a Sioux Falls home. The incident also left a suspect injured.

Deputies responded to the home on Friday evening, and gunfire erupted approximately 30 minutes after their arrival, according to the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Both Frank and the suspect received medical attention at the scene before being transported to local hospitals.

Frank died Monday, surrounded by family and friends. The sheriff's office described her death as a profound loss, stating, "She served the citizens of Minnehaha County with professionalism, humility, and dedication. Her absence will be felt deeply by all who have had the privilege of working alongside her."

Brandon John Oetken, 39, of Sioux Falls, has been charged with 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 of disarming a law enforcement officer. Oetken remains in custody without bond.

It is not yet clear if additional charges will be filed in light of Deputy Frank's death. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting at the request of the sheriff’s office.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley offered condolences, stating, "We mourn the loss of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank, who sacrificed everything in the line of duty to keep us safe. Let us never forget her courage and the service of all of our law enforcement officers. Deputy Frank and her family remain in our prayers."

This shooting marks the fifth incident involving law enforcement officers in South Dakota this year, according to the attorney general’s office.

Deputy Frank began her career at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in September 2022 and joined the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in June 2024. In her final act of service, she became an organ donor, the sheriff's office confirmed.