Attorney General Jackley, Brule County State’s Attorney Maule Announce Chamberlain Man Indicted on Manslaughter Charges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and Brule County State’s Attorney Theresa Maule (pronounced Mall) announce that a Chamberlain man has been indicted on two counts of Manslaughter in the First Degree and one count of Aggravated Assault in the death of a 44-year man.

Michael Ottmo, 18, of Chamberlain was indicted Monday by a Brule County Grand Jury. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for each of the Manslaughter charges and 15 years in prison on the Aggravated Assault charge.

Chamberlain Police were called to a residence at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Dustin Thomas, 44, Chamberlain, was found seriously injured and was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. 

Ottmo’s arraignment is 1:30 p.m., Nov. 17, in Chamberlain. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the investigation. Assisting agencies include the Chamberlain Police Department, Brule County Sheriff's Office, and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department.

The case is being prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Brule County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing.

                                                                                      -30-