Key facts
- Mark Milk, whose life sentence was commuted by Kristi Noem, is charged in his niece McKenna Wendel's death.
- Milk faces charges including drug delivery causing death and transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity.
- McKenna Wendel, 14, was reported missing March 13 and her body was found March 19.
- Jon Rogness faces conspiracy and accessory charges related to covering up the crimes.
- Milk's life sentence was for a 1993 manslaughter conviction.
- Kristi Noem commuted Milk's sentence in February 2023.
Mark Milk, 51, has been charged in connection with the death of his 14-year-old niece, McKenna Wendel, whose body was discovered five days after she went missing in March. Milk, who was serving a life sentence for a 1993 manslaughter conviction, had his sentence commuted by then-South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in 2023. He now faces five counts, including possession with intent to deliver cocaine that caused Wendel's death and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Jon Rogness, 38, faces conspiracy and accessory charges for allegedly attempting to cover up the crimes. Authorities stated these are the most serious, readily provable charges and originated in Iowa.
Wendel, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, was last seen alive in Sioux Falls on March 14 and her body was found near Brookings on March 19. Her obituary described her as having a vibrant personality and a love for animals and powwows.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley noted that the decision to commute Milk's sentence was solely Noem's, and the commutation documents were sealed. The Associated Press sought comment from Noem regarding her involvement.