Two men have been indicted in connection with the disappearance and death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, whose remains were found in rural Brookings County, South Dakota, after she was reported missing in March.
Authorities announced that 51-year-old Mark Milk, who was McKenna’s uncle, and 38-year-old Jon Rogness are facing federal charges linked to the case.
The charges were filed in the Northern District of Iowa, and both men are expected to appear before a judge at the federal courthouse in Sioux City, Iowa.
Officials said the investigation involved multiple jurisdictions, including South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.
Teen Was Reported Missing In March
McKenna was reported missing from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 13. Her remains were discovered nearly a week later in rural Brookings County.
At the time her body was found, investigators said they were speaking with several people, including family members, as they worked to understand what happened before her death.
Authorities have released limited details about the circumstances of the case, citing the ongoing investigation and the sensitive nature of the matter.
Charges Filed Against The Two Men
Federal officials said Mark Milk faces several serious charges, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death, transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and conspiracy to conceal items with intent to impair an official proceeding.
Jon Rogness has also been charged in the case. His charges include conspiracy and accessory after the fact.
The charges remain allegations at this stage, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
FBI Calls Case Heart-Wrenching
Special FBI Agent in Charge Gene Kowel described the investigation as deeply difficult because it involves the death of a child.
He said cases involving children are among the most tragic investigations law enforcement handles. Kowel also expressed sympathy for McKenna’s family, saying her life, though far too short, had a meaningful impact on those who knew her.
Law enforcement officials have not released all evidence in the case, but prosecutors have said the investigation was thorough and involved coordination across state lines.
Uncle Had Prior Criminal History
Court records show that Mark Milk had previously been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the 1993 death of a man.
However, his sentence was later commuted in 2023 by then-South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, allowing him to be granted parole.
Records also show that Milk was arrested earlier this year on unrelated charges that included reckless driving, driving while intoxicated and eluding police.
Investigation Spanned Several Jurisdictions
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley previously said prosecutors and investigators were working across several jurisdictions as they reviewed the facts surrounding McKenna’s death.
Because the case involved different locations and multiple agencies, officials said the investigation required close coordination between local, state and federal authorities.
Further court proceedings are expected to determine how the case moves forward.
The indictment of Mark Milk and Jon Rogness marks a major development in the investigation into the disappearance and death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel.
Authorities say the case involved multiple jurisdictions and serious federal charges. While many details remain limited, officials have described the investigation as thorough and deeply tragic.
Both defendants are expected to face the allegations in federal court.