Brandon Oetken Booked Into Minnehaha County Jail After Hospital Discharge
Brandon Oetken, 39, was released from a Sioux Falls hospital and booked into the Minnehaha County Jail shortly after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, siouxfallslive.com reported. Oetken faces charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank.
Court documents show that the incident began during the evening hours of Friday, Oct. 9, when three Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputies arrived at Oetken’s home in far western Sioux Falls to take him into custody on a mental health hold. More than 30 minutes after law enforcement arrived, Oetken retreated inside, armed himself, and fired a handgun toward the deputies from his entryway. Deputy Frank, 26, was struck by at least one bullet and died Monday, Oct. 12, at a Sioux Falls hospital.
Current Charges and Potential Upgraded Prosecutions
Jail records indicate Oetken is currently being held on charges of attempted murder and disarming a law enforcement officer. Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar formally entered Tuesday charges that vary slightly, comprising three counts of attempted first-degree murder of law enforcement alongside three counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement.
Additional and stronger charges are expected in the coming days following Frank’s death. The Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office stated that the shooting was premeditated, a factor that could allow prosecutors to pursue a charge of first-degree murder of law enforcement. A conviction on an upgraded first-degree murder charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison without parole and a maximum sentence of death.
This is Deputy Katherine Frank.She was 26.She served Minnehaha County, South Dakota with professionalism, humility and dedication.She died Monday, Oct. 12, with her family by her side.Even in death she gave, as an organ donor.On Friday night, Oct. 9, she and two other… pic.twitter.com/HbJF57UJK7
Law Enforcement Community Honors Fallen Deputy Katherine Frank
Law enforcement personnel gathered Tuesday to honor Deputy Frank in a procession through downtown Sioux Falls. A procession of over 100 police officers made its way from Sanford Health’s main campus near 18th Street and Grange Avenue toward the George Boom Funeral Home with their emergency lights flashing and sirens turned off. Escorted by law enforcement motorcycles and vehicles, Frank’s remains were accompanied by Minnehaha County personnel, Sioux Falls police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services, and units from surrounding communities who stood with bowed heads. The Minnehaha County Deputies Association established a GoFundMe campaign to support Frank’s family, which the Sheriff’s Office designated as the only official fundraiser at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Investigation
What specific charges is Brandon Oetken currently facing in jail?
While jail documentation records Oetken under allegations of attempted murder and disarming a law enforcement officer, State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar has lodged formal counts that encompass three counts of attempted first-degree murder of law enforcement and three counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement.
When did Deputy Katherine Frank pass away from her injuries?
Frank died on Monday, Oct. 12, at a Sioux Falls hospital after being struck by a bullet during the Oct. 9 incident at Oetken’s residence.
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