Centerville Man Convicted of Three First-Degree Murder Counts

AG: South Dakota Press Releases

Filed March 20th, 2026

Detected March 21st, 2026

Summary

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Jay Ostrem, 65, was found guilty by a McCook County Jury of three counts of First-Degree Murder for a 2024 triple homicide in Centerville, SD. Ostrem faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, with sentencing scheduled for May 14, 2026.

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What changed

A jury in McCook County, South Dakota, has convicted Jay Ostrem, 65, of three counts of First-Degree Murder in connection with a 2024 triple homicide that occurred in Centerville. The victims were identified as Paul Wyland Frankus, Zachary Frankus, and Timothy Richmond. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation led the investigation, with prosecution handled by the Attorney General's Office and the Turner County State's Office.

Ostrem faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14, 2026. This conviction signifies a conclusion to the criminal proceedings for the perpetrators of this violent crime, delivering justice for the victims and their families. Law enforcement and prosecution efforts were highlighted as crucial to achieving this verdict.

What to do next

Monitor sentencing proceedings for Jay Ostrem on May 14, 2026.
Review case details for potential implications on law enforcement procedures or inter-agency cooperation.

Penalties

Maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Marty Jackley

A TTORNEY OFFICE OF THE
SOUTH DAKOTA G ENERAL

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Attorney General Jackley Announces Centerville Man Convicted by Jury in Triple Murder Trial
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 20, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, **** Communications Director, 605-773-6878

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Centerville man has been found guilty by a McCook County Jury, for a 2024 triple homicide that occurred in Centerville, SD.

Jay Ostrem, 65, was found guilty Friday of three counts of First-Degree Murder. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14, 2026.

“Today’s verdict delivers justice for the victims and their loved ones. We are grateful for the hard work of law enforcement and prosecutors, and we continue to keep the families in our thoughts,” said Attorney General Jackley.

Victims in the shooting death were identified as Paul Wyland Frankus, 26; Zachary Frankus, 21; and Timothy Richmond, 35. The incident was reported near 10 p.m. May 27, 2024, at a residence in Centerville.

South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) led the investigation. The case was prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Turner County State’s Office.

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