On October 9, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., deputies from the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office (South Dakota) were dispatched to the 2900 block of S. Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls. At approximately 7:32 p.m., deputies arrived on scene and approximately 30 minutes after their arrival, shots were fired. Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was struck as well as the suspect.
Immediate medical aid was rendered on scene to both Deputy Frank and the suspect. Deputy Frank was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to her injuries on October 12, 2026.
The suspect was later identified as Brandon John Oetken, a 39-year-old resident of Sioux Falls.
Deputy Katherine Frank worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary from September 2022 until being hired by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in June 2024. She leaves behind five siblings, her grandparents, her boyfriend, and parents. Her family describes her as "incredibly funny" and "someone who gets along with just about everybody".
Our prayers and condolences go out to her family both at home as well as with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.
