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South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece’s death
Prosecutors say the case involves cocaine, sexual exploitation and an alleged cover-up as investigators tied Milk to the teen’s death.
- On Thursday, federal authorities indicted Mark Milk, 51, and Jon Rogness, 38, for the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel in the Northern District of Iowa following a three-month investigation.
- Wendel was reported missing from Sioux Falls on March 13 and found dead six days later near Brookings; Milk, her uncle, was on parole after former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem commuted his 1993 manslaughter sentence in 2023.
- Milk faces five counts including possession with intent to distribute cocaine resulting in death and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, while Rogness faces conspiracy and accessory charges.
- U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson stated the counts represent "the most serious, readily provable" charges as federal officials coordinate across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
- FBI Special Agent in Charge Gene Kowel said investigations involving children remain difficult, noting, "Our hearts go out to McKenna's family," while authorities withhold details to protect the ongoing case.
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Two men linked to 14-year-old Sioux Falls girl's death charged in Iowa
SIOUX CITY — U.S. Attorney Leif Olson held a press conference Thursday in Sioux City to announce two men have been indicted on criminal charges in the missing-person case of McKenna Wendel. McKenna Wendel Wendel Wendel, a 14-year-old from Sioux…
The Toronto Star+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Noem now implicated in his niece’s death
Two men, including one whose life sentence was commuted by then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, have been charged in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose body was found in
·Toronto, Canada
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Man Whose Life Sentence Was Commuted By Kristi Noem Now Implicated In His Niece's Death
Mark Milk, 51, who faces five counts related to the death of McKenna Wendel, 14, was serving a a life term for manslaughter in 2023 when the former South Dakota governor commuted his sentence.
·United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources42
Leaning Left9Leaning Right5Center22Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
L 25%
C 61%
14%
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