Man whose life sentence was commuted by Kristi Noem faces charges in teen's death
Summary
A South Dakota man named Mark Milk, whose life sentence for manslaughter was reduced by Governor Kristi Noem, has been charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel. Authorities accuse him of transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity, possessing drugs linked to McKenna’s death, and trying to hide evidence.Key Facts
- Mark Milk’s original life sentence for manslaughter was commuted by then-Governor Kristi Noem.
- McKenna Wendel, 14, was reported missing in mid-March 2026 and found dead near Brookings, South Dakota.
- Milk faces federal charges for transporting a minor, drug possession linked to McKenna’s death, and conspiracy to destroy evidence.
- Another man, Jon Rogness, is charged with helping Milk avoid prosecution.
- The case is handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.
- McKenna died from a drug overdose around March 14, according to the indictment.
- McKenna was a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and Milk is reported to be her uncle.
- Multiple law enforcement agencies from Iowa and South Dakota worked on the investigation.
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