Junior deputy in South Dakota dies three days after being shot during a home confrontation

Catherine Frank, deputy of Sioux Falls, spent three days in critical condition before dying, and in her final act became an organ donor.

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A 26-year-old South Dakota sheriff's deputy has died after being shot during a fight at a Sioux Falls home that also left a suspect wounded.

Minnehaha County Deputy Kathryn Frank was fatally wounded by gunfire Friday night about 30 minutes after deputies arrived at the home, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department said.

Frank and the suspect were treated at the scene before being transported to the hospital. Frank died on Monday surrounded by his family and loved ones after spending three days in critical condition.

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"The death of Deputy Frank is a significant loss to our agency and the law enforcement community in and around Sioux Falls," the sheriff's office said. "He served the citizens of Minnehaha County with professionalism, humility and dedication. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the honor of working alongside him."

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Kathryn Frank, 26, died on Oct. 12, 2026, after being critically injured in an accident. The shooting happened three days before the sheriff's office said Frank became an organ donor in a final operation. (Facebook of the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office)

The suspect, Brandon John Oetken, 39, of Sioux Falls, was charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.

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It was not immediately clear whether prosecutors planned to file additional charges after Frank's death.

Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Kathryn Frank, right, is sworn in with another deputy during the ceremony. Frank joined the Sheriff's Department in June 2024. (Facebook of the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office)

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting at the request of the sheriff's office.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley paid tribute to Frank after his death.

Jackley said in a statement: "We mourn the loss of Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Kathryn Frank, who sacrificed everything in the line of duty to keep us safe. We will never forget her bravery and the service of all law enforcement officers. Deputy Frank and her family continue to be in our prayers."

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Minnehaha County Sheriff's Deputy Kathryn Frank, left, poses with a judge and fellow deputy at the inauguration. Frank joined the department in June 2024 after working at the South Dakota State Penitentiary. (Facebook of the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office)

Jackley previously said investigators would look into the use of force during the encounter, and a public report is expected within 30 days.

The shooting was the fifth involving South Dakota this year, the attorney general's office said.

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Frank worked at the South Dakota State Prison in September 2022 before joining the sheriff's office in June 2024.

In his last act, Frank became an organ donor and continued to help others even after his death, the sheriff said.

"Deputy Frank served with dignity and heart," the sheriff's office said. "His service made a significant difference and his impact will always be with us."

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