Deputy Sheriff Katherine Frank (2000-2026) Minnehaha County, South Dakota

Q: Who was Deputy Katherine Frank?

Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was a deputy with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in South Dakota. She was 26 years old and had served with the sheriff's office for nearly two and a half years. She previously worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary for two years. She died on October 12, 2026, three days after being shot in the line of duty in Sioux Falls.

Q: How did Deputy Katherine Frank die?

Deputy Katherine Frank died on October 12, 2026, three days after she was shot in the line of duty on October 9, 2026. She was responding to a disturbance call near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls when shots were fired. Both Deputy Frank and the suspect were struck. She was transported to a local hospital where she remained in critical condition until her passing.

Q: What was Deputy Katherine Frank's cause of death?

Deputy Katherine Frank's cause of death was gunfire. She was shot on October 9, 2026, while responding to a call near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She succumbed to her injuries three days later on October 12, 2026.

Q: When did Deputy Katherine Frank die?

Deputy Katherine Frank died on Monday, October 12, 2026, three days after being shot on Friday, October 9, 2026. Her end of watch was recorded as Monday, October 12, 2026.

Q: How old was Deputy Katherine Frank when she died?

Deputy Katherine Frank was 26 years old when she died on October 12, 2026. She had served with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office for 2 years and 4 months.

Q: Where was Deputy Katherine Frank shot?

Deputy Katherine Frank was shot near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Deputies arrived at the scene around 7:30 p.m. on October 9, 2026, while responding to a call. Approximately 30 minutes later, shots were fired.

Q: Who is the suspect in Deputy Katherine Frank's shooting?

The suspect in the shooting is 39-year-old Brandon Oetken. He faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with premeditation and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He was also treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital.

Q: What was Deputy Katherine Frank's career?

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 had served with the sheriff's office for nearly two and a half years at the time of her death.

Q: Was Deputy Katherine Frank an organ donor?

Yes, Deputy Katherine Frank was listed as an organ donor on the Officer Down Memorial Page. She died on October 12, 2026, at the age of 26.

Who Was Deputy Katherine Frank?

Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was a 26-year-old deputy with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in South Dakota. She died on Monday, October 12, 2026, three days after being shot in the line of duty in Sioux Falls. Her end of watch was recorded as October 12, 2026.

Deputy Frank had served with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office for nearly two and a half years. Before joining the sheriff's office, she worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary from September 2022 until being hired by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in June 2024.

She was remembered by her family as "incredibly funny" and "someone who gets along with just about everybody." A GoFundMe set up by the Minnehaha County Deputies Association said: "She was deeply loved, and her loss is felt by so many."

        Key Facts: Deputy Katherine Frank was 26 years old and served with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office for 2 years and 4 months. She was shot on October 9, 2026, while responding to a disturbance call in Sioux Falls. She died on October 12, 2026. She was an organ donor and left behind five siblings, her grandparents, her boyfriend, and her parents.
      

Katherine Frank Cause of Death

Deputy Katherine Frank's cause of death was gunfire. She was shot on Friday, October 9, 2026, while responding to a disturbance call near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

On October 9, around 7:30 p.m., deputies arrived at a scene while responding to a call. Approximately 30 minutes later, shots were fired, and both Deputy Frank and the suspect were struck. Emergency aid was administered at the scene, and Deputy Frank was transported to a local hospital, where she remained in critical condition until her passing three days later on October 12, 2026.

The suspect was also treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital. He has been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with premeditation and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Deputy Frank's end of watch was recorded as Monday, October 12, 2026. She was 26 years old.

        Important: Deputy Katherine Frank died on October 12, 2026, at the age of 26, three days after being shot in the line of duty. Her cause of death was gunfire. The suspect, 39-year-old Brandon Oetken, faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.
      

The Shooting Incident

On Friday, October 9, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., deputies from the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office responded to a call near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Approximately 30 minutes later, shots were fired. Both Deputy Katherine Frank and the suspect were struck. Emergency aid was administered at the scene, and Deputy Frank was transported to a local hospital, where she remained in critical condition for three days.

The suspect was also treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital. The Sioux Falls Police Department and the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office are investigating the incident.

Deputy Frank succumbed to her injuries on Monday, October 12, 2026.

The Suspect

The suspect in the shooting is 39-year-old Brandon Oetken. He faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with premeditation and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Oetken was also treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital following the shooting. He is currently in custody.

Career and Service

Deputy Katherine Frank began her career in law enforcement at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, where she worked from September 2022 until June 2024. She was then hired by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office, where she served for nearly two and a half years.

Her tour of duty with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office was recorded as 2 years, 4 months. She was 26 years old at the time of her death.

Deputy Frank was listed as an organ donor on the Officer Down Memorial Page, a final act of service that reflected her commitment to helping others.

Tributes and Condolences

Following Deputy Frank's death, tributes poured in from across South Dakota and beyond. Sheriff Mike Milstead said in a statement: "Deputy Frank served with dignity and heart. Her service made a meaningful difference, and her impact will remain with us always."

Governor Larry Rhoden also released a statement on Facebook, expressing his condolences to Deputy Frank's family and colleagues.

Representative Dusty Johnson issued his condolences: "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 commented: "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 shared her condolences on Facebook: "My heart is heavy as we mourn the loss of Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Katherine Frank. Our law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to serving and protecting others, and their commitment and sacrifice should never be taken for granted. On behalf of the City of Sioux Falls, I extend my deepest condolences to Katherine's family, friends, fellow deputies, and the entire Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office."

Memorials and Tributes

A memorial was established at the Law Enforcement Center on 320 W. 4th Street in Sioux Falls for those who wish to pay their respects. Tributes also poured in outside the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.

Community members left flowers, notes, and figurines by a patrol car at the Law Enforcement Center. A folded flag was placed on the front windshield of the Sheriff's vehicle. Roses were left inside the hubcap. Sioux Falls Police Department officers Logan Eilers and Detective Melinda Mitchell left flowers and candles at the memorial site.

Chase Tirrel left behind his patch with Matthew 5:9 shown at Deputy Katherine Frank's memorial site. Tirrel shared that Deputy Frank was a peacemaker in her career and was kind.

A GoFundMe was set up by the Minnehaha County Deputies Association to support Deputy Frank's family. All donations sent to the GoFundMe will be collected and sent to Katherine Frank's family.

Family and Survivors

Deputy Katherine Frank leaves behind five siblings, her grandparents, her boyfriend, and her parents. Her family described her as "incredibly funny" and "someone who gets along with just about everybody."

"She was deeply loved, and her loss is felt by so many," the GoFundMe reads.

Legacy

Deputy Katherine Frank's legacy is one of service, dignity, and sacrifice. She was remembered as a peacemaker who was kind to everyone she met. Her family said she was "deeply loved, and her loss is felt by so many." Her service with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office made a meaningful difference to her community.

She was an organ donor, and her final act of service reflected her commitment to helping others. Her end of watch was October 12, 2026. She was 26 years old.

Rest in peace, Deputy Katherine Frank. Thank you for your service.

Frequently Asked Questions: Deputy Katherine Frank

Who was Deputy Katherine Frank?

Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was a deputy with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in South Dakota. She was 26 years old and had served with the sheriff's office for nearly two and a half years. She previously worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary for two years. She died on October 12, 2026, three days after being shot in the line of duty in Sioux Falls.

How did Deputy Katherine Frank die?

Deputy Katherine Frank died on October 12, 2026, three days after she was shot in the line of duty on October 9, 2026. She was responding to a disturbance call near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls when shots were fired. Both Deputy Frank and the suspect were struck. She was transported to a local hospital where she remained in critical condition until her passing.

What was Deputy Katherine Frank's cause of death?

Deputy Katherine Frank's cause of death was gunfire. She was shot on October 9, 2026, while responding to a call near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She succumbed to her injuries three days later on October 12, 2026.

When did Deputy Katherine Frank die?

Deputy Katherine Frank died on Monday, October 12, 2026, three days after being shot on Friday, October 9, 2026. Her end of watch was recorded as Monday, October 12, 2026.

How old was Deputy Katherine Frank when she died?

Deputy Katherine Frank was 26 years old when she died on October 12, 2026. She had served with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office for 2 years and 4 months.

Where was Deputy Katherine Frank shot?

Deputy Katherine Frank was shot near the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Deputies arrived at the scene around 7:30 p.m. on October 9, 2026, while responding to a call. Approximately 30 minutes later, shots were fired.

Who is the suspect in Deputy Katherine Frank's shooting?

The suspect in the shooting is 39-year-old Brandon Oetken. He faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with premeditation and three counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He was also treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital.

What was Deputy Katherine Frank's career?

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 had served with the sheriff's office for nearly two and a half years at the time of her death.

What tributes were paid to Deputy Katherine Frank?

Tributes poured in from across South Dakota. Sheriff Mike Milstead said, "Deputy Frank served with dignity and heart." Governor Larry Rhoden, Senator John Thune, Representative Dusty Johnson, and Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson also issued condolences. A memorial was established at the Law Enforcement Center on 320 W. 4th Street in Sioux Falls.

Was Deputy Katherine Frank an organ donor?

Yes, Deputy Katherine Frank was listed as an organ donor on the Officer Down Memorial Page. She died on October 12, 2026, at the age of 26.

Who did Deputy Katherine Frank leave behind?

Where is Deputy Katherine Frank's memorial?

What was Deputy Katherine Frank's badge number?

Deputy Katherine Frank's badge number was not publicly available. She served with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in South Dakota.

What is the Officer Down Memorial Page?

The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the more than 25,000 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in the United States since 1776. Deputy Katherine Frank's page is listed on the ODMP with her end of watch date of October 12, 2026.

Data Update
Based on Dakota News Now, Argus Leader, Officer Down Memorial Page, and official statements from the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office. Information about the investigation may change as more details become available.