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Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank died Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, three days after being shot in the line of duty in Sioux Falls. Brandon Oetken faces charges in the incident.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank died Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at a Sioux Falls hospital, according to the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. She was 26 years old. Frank died three days after being shot in the line of duty during a response in southwest Sioux Falls on Friday, Oct. 9.
According to the sheriff’s office, Frank was one of three deputies who responded to a call for service in the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive, west of 41st Street and Ellis Road. Roughly 30 minutes after the officers arrived, shots were fired, and at least one bullet struck Frank. A suspect, 39-year-old Brandon Oetken of Sioux Falls, was also shot. Both were taken to separate hospitals.
Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar confirmed that a criminal complaint had been drafted charging Oetken with three counts of attempted first-degree murder of law enforcement and three counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement. As of Monday afternoon, Oetken remained hospitalized and had not been booked into the Minnehaha County Jail. Court appearances have not yet been scheduled.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley stated that the Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation. "It will be thorough. It will involve state and local agencies, and it will be transparent," Jackley said. "When it’s complete, within 30 days, I will issue a detailed report of what the evidence is and what our findings are related to this."
Frank joined the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in June 2024. Prior to that, she worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary from September 2022. The Dakota Scout reported that her death marks the first time in more than a century that a Sioux Falls-based law enforcement officer has died from gunfire in the line of duty.
Sheriff Mike Milstead issued a statement regarding her passing. "Deputy Frank served with dignity and heart. Her service made a meaningful difference, and her impact will remain with us always," Milstead said.
The Minnehaha County Deputies Association established a GoFundMe for Frank’s family. The association noted that Frank leaves behind five siblings, two grandparents, a boyfriend, and two dogs. "She was deeply loved, and her loss is felt by so many," the association said. The sheriff’s office announced that Frank’s organs will be donated to others in need.
A memorial has been established at the Law Enforcement Center on 320 W. 4th Street in Sioux Falls. Various officials offered condolences. Representative Dusty Johnson said in a Facebook post, "I’m praying for the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Katherine Frank. Her passing is tragic. I’m grateful for her service and join in honoring her sacrifice."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated, "The South Dakota law enforcement community suffered a great loss today. Kimberley and my thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Frank’s loved ones and colleagues during this extremely difficult time."
Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson also shared her condolences, stating, "My heart is heavy as we mourn the loss of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank."
Deputy Frank’s death highlights the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement in the region. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, she is the sixth law enforcement or corrections officer in South Dakota to die in the line of duty as a direct result of criminal action in the past two decades. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation, with a detailed report expected within 30 days.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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