McKenna Wendel Obituary, Sioux Falls, SD Death, South Dakota man charged in death of 14-year-old

The tragic death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel has left communities across South Dakota grieving as federal authorities announce charges against two men in connection with her death. McKenna, who was reported missing on March 13, was last seen alive in Sioux Falls during the early hours of March 14. Her body was discovered five days later in a rural area outside Brookings, approximately an hour north of Sioux Falls.

Federal prosecutors have charged McKenna’s uncle, Mark Milk, 51, of Sioux Falls, with five counts related to the case. Among the allegations are possession with intent to distribute cocaine resulting in death and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. According to the indictment, Milk allegedly distributed a substance containing cocaine on or about March 14, and prosecutors allege that McKenna’s death resulted from the use of that substance.

A second man, Jon Rogness, 38, of Brookings, has been charged with conspiracy and accessory offenses related to an alleged effort to conceal aspects of the crimes. Authorities emphasized that the charges filed are the most serious charges currently supported by the evidence and that the investigation remains active.

Two Men Charged in Death of 14-Year-Old McKenna Wendel; Case Sparks Questions Over Prior Sentence Commutation

Officials have not publicly released McKenna’s cause or manner of death. Federal prosecutors said those details remain confidential in accordance with Department of Justice policies while the case proceeds.

McKenna is remembered by family and friends as a bright and loving young girl with a vibrant personality and a deep appreciation for her Native heritage. A member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, she was raised by her grandparents and enjoyed attending powwows, where she loved the singing and rhythmic sounds of the drums. Her obituary describes her as someone who embraced life with enthusiasm and brought joy to those around her.

The case has also drawn attention because of Mark Milk’s criminal history. Milk had been serving a life sentence for a manslaughter conviction stemming from a 1993 fatal stabbing. In 2023, then-South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem commuted his sentence, allowing his release after nearly three decades in prison. The decision has since become the subject of renewed public discussion following the charges announced in McKenna’s case.

Authorities have stressed that the allegations remain accusations until proven in court. Court records did not immediately list attorneys representing either defendant.

“This is a horrific case,” FBI Special Agent Gene Kowel said during a news conference. “There are no cases that we investigate that are more heart-wrenching and more tragic than those involving children.”

As the legal process unfolds, McKenna Wendel’s loved ones continue to mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon. The community remains united in honoring her memory and seeking justice as investigators and prosecutors pursue answers in this heartbreaking case.