‘Heart-wrenching’: 2 men, including uncle, charged in disappearance and death of teen girl

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV/Gray News) - Authorities in Iowa announced the indictment of two men in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl.

In March, the remains of McKenna Wendel were found in rural Brookings County in South Dakota after she was reported missing.

Investigators said at that time that they were interviewing several people, including family members, regarding the teen’s death.

On Thursday, authorities said 51-year-old Mark Milk, McKenna’s uncle, and 38-year-old Jon Rogness were being indicted on several charges in the case.

Milk’s charges include possession with intent to distribute of 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.

Rogness’ charges also include conspiracy and accessory after the fact.

Both men were charged in federal court in Iowa’s Northern District. Milk and Rogness are expected to appear before a judge at the Sioux City federal courthouse.

Special FBI Agent in Charge Gene Kowel said these types of investigations are always difficult.

“There are no cases that we investigate that are more heart-wrenching and more tragic than ones that involve children or the death of a child,” Kowel said. “Our hearts go out to McKenna’s family. I know that her life, although far too short, will have a profound impact on everyone who knew her.”

The 14-year-old was reported missing from Sioux Falls on March 13 before her body was discovered almost a week later.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said prosecutors have been working through several jurisdictions in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota for the case.

“It has been a complete and thorough investigation, and there will be charges,” Jackley previously told reporters regarding the investigation.

According to court documents, Milk was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the death of a man in 1993.

However, Milk was granted parole after former Governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, commuted his charges in 2023. He was also arrested in March of this year on charges that included reckless driving, DWI and eluding police, records show.