Former Law Officer Charged in Triple Homicide in Small South Dakota Town

A tragic incident unfolded in the small town of Centreville, South Dakota, when three individuals were fatally shot. The accused is a former law enforcement officer who had previously served as the town's mayor.

Accused Charged with First-Degree Murder

The accused, 64-year-old Jay Ostrem, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond. This information was disclosed by South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley in a news release on Tuesday.

Victims' Identification and Circumstances

The victims have been identified as two brothers aged 26 and 21, and a 35-year-old man. The probable cause affidavit revealed that the incident was reported by a man in Centreville who informed the authorities that his brother had been shot by a neighbor across the street. Tragically, the caller was also shot while on the phone with the dispatcher.

The police discovered an AR-style rifle near the accused, along with a handgun in his possession. Upon further investigation, the authorities found all three victims at the home from which the distress call originated.

Possible Motive Unveiled

According to the probable cause document, Ostrem's wife alleged that a neighbor named Paul had assaulted her. She informed Ostrem about the incident on the same night of the shooting. Subsequently, Ostrem reacted by leaving the house in an agitated state.

Accused's Background and Arrest

Ostrem had a long-standing career in law enforcement spanning over two decades in Wyoming and South Dakota. He had also served as the mayor of Centreville around fifteen years ago.

The accused's arrest occurred shortly after the distress call. This distressing event has left the small town of Centreville, located approximately 40 miles south of Sioux Falls, in shock and mourning.