Sioux Falls Judge Sentences Man for Stabbing
A Minnehaha County court sentenced 43-year-old Tristen Frye to 10 years in prison for a 2025 stabbing incident.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Crime — General
A Minnehaha County judge sentenced 43-year-old Tristen Frye to 20 years in prison, with 10 years suspended, following his guilty plea to attempted first-degree murder. The sentence follows a November 2025 incident in Sioux Falls where Frye stabbed a 45-year-old victim.
Why it matters
The sentencing resolves the legal proceedings for the violent confrontation, which led to multiple assault charges against Frye. The court dismissed six additional assault charges as part of the plea agreement reached in July 2026.
The court imposed a 20-year sentence with 10 years suspended and dismissed six assault charges. Tristen Frye is currently awaiting transfer to a state prison facility.
The players
Tristen Frye
He is a 43-year-old individual who was sentenced for attempted first-degree murder and assault in Minnehaha County.
Minnehaha County Court
This is the judicial body responsible for overseeing criminal prosecutions and sentencing procedures in the Sioux Falls region.
The details
During a home gathering in mid-November 2025 near South Mariana Drive and South Marday Avenue, Frye threw a chair at the victim before pinning them to the ground and using a knife to stab them in the abdomen. Police later located Frye hiding under a deck with the assistance of a K-9 unit.
Timeline
Mid-November 2025: Frye stabbed the victim at a home gathering.
July 2026: Tristen Frye pleaded guilty to the charges.
Week of October 12, 2026: A Minnehaha County judge sentenced Frye to prison.
Legal Context
The sentence reflects the state's judicial approach to violent felony sentencing under the South Dakota codified law on attempted murder. This outcome follows standard local procedures for adjudicating attempted murder cases through plea agreements and suspended time.
The conclusion of this case brings resolution to a violent incident that previously occurred in a residential area near South Mariana Drive. Residents can expect no further active police presence related to the search for the suspect, as Frye is now in custody.
The takeaway
This case highlights the judicial process for handling violent crimes involving domestic or private gatherings. It also demonstrates how plea agreements can affect the final sentencing outcome in local felony cases.
Further reading
For more information on local legal proceedings, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sioux Falls Live.
