Suspect in Deputy Katherine Frank’s Death Faces New Murder Charges

Key points

• Brandon John Oetken, 39, now faces premeditated first-degree murder and depraved-mind second-degree murder charges for the death of Deputy Katherine Frank.
• The new charges supersede previous counts of three attempted first-degree murders and three aggravated assaults against law enforcement.
• Oetken also faces four additional aggravated assault charges, bringing the total legal exposure significantly higher than the initial filing.
• Deputy Katherine Frank, 26, was shot on October 9 during a mental health hold response in Sioux Falls and died on October 12.
• Frank was the first deputy in the history of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office to die in the line of fire.

Background

Frank joined the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in June 2024. Following her death, a public memorial was established at the local Law Enforcement Center, and a community fundraiser raised nearly $50,000 for her family. She was also noted as an organ donor. The initial charges filed on October 13 included attempted murder and aggravated assault, but the case has escalated to murder charges as of October 14.

Why it matters

The escalation to first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree depraved-mind murder reflects the severity of the crime and the legal consequences for attacking law enforcement officers. This case highlights the risks faced by deputies responding to mental health holds and the tragic loss of the first officer in the agency’s history to die in the line of fire.

What to watch

Oetken remains in custody without bond. The case will proceed through the legal system with the new murder charges, potentially leading to a trial where the premeditation and depraved-mind aspects will be central to the prosecution’s case.