Two men, including Mark Milk, whose life sentence was commuted by then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem in 2023, have been charged in the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel. Wendel was reported missing on March 13 and last seen alive in Sioux Falls early on March 14. Her body was found outside Brookings, Iowa, on March 19.
Milk, 51, faces five federal counts, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine that allegedly caused Wendel’s death and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. A second man, Jon Rogness, 38, of Brookings, faces conspiracy and accessory charges related to an alleged cover-up.
Authorities announced the charges in a Sioux City, Iowa, news conference on Thursday, emphasizing that the investigation remains active. Leif Olson, U.S. attorney for northern Iowa, stated the charges were the "most serious, readily provable" linked to the case. The FBI described the case as "horrific," noting its tragic nature.
Wendel was raised by her grandparents, who were members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and had a "vibrant personality," according to her obituary. The cause and manner of her death have not been publicly disclosed.
Milk had been serving a life sentence for manslaughter before Noem commuted it in February 2023. The commutation process and its implications remain a focal point of the case.
Authorities have not released further details to protect the investigation. Neither defendant has legal representation on record to comment.