Centerville Resident Faces Murder Charges After Memorial Day Shooting
A former law enforcement officer and mayor has entered pleas of not guilty in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on Memorial Day.
Denial and Insanity Defense Entered
Jay Ostrem, 64, pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to nine separate charges. These include three counts each of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and felony first-degree murder, according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. His attorney, Raleigh Hansman, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Victims Identified, Motive Unclear
A court affidavit revealed the identities of the victims as two brothers, aged 26 and 21, and a 35-year-old man. The document provided no details regarding a possible connection between the third victim and the brothers.
Background of Former Public Servant
Public records show Ostrem held law enforcement positions in Wyoming and South Dakota for over two decades. He also served a term as mayor of Centerville, though the exact dates remain unclear.
Shooting and Arrest Detailed in Affidavit
The affidavit describes a call to Centerville police on Memorial Day evening. A man reported his brother being shot by a neighbour, then stated he himself had been shot before falling silent. Responding officers apprehended Ostrem shortly after, finding an AR-style rifle and a handgun in his possession. A subsequent search of the caller’s home revealed the bodies of all three victims.
Possible Motive Emerges
Ostrem’s wife reportedly informed police about a sexual assault she endured on the preceding Thursday. She told Ostrem about the assault on Monday night, and the affidavit claims he then “raged out of the house.” The investigation into motive and the connection between the assault and the shooting is ongoing.
