Man Freed by Noem Commutation Now Charged in Teen Niece's Death
A South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by then-Governor Kristi Noem is now facing federal charges in the death of his 14-year-old niece, raising serious questions about the commutation decision and its consequences.
What Happened to McKenna Wendel?
McKenna Wendel was reported missing on March 13 and was last seen alive in her hometown of Sioux Falls early on March 14. Five days later, her body was discovered in a rural area outside Brookings, about an hour north of Sioux Falls.
Wendel was raised by her grandparents, loved animals, and had a vibrant personality and a zest for life, according to her obituary. She and her grandparents were members of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and frequently attended powwows.
She loved the singing and the beautiful sounds of the drums.
Who Has Been Charged?
Wendel's uncle, Mark Milk, 51, of Sioux Falls, now faces five counts related to her death. The charges include possession with intent to deliver cocaine that caused Wendel's death and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to court documents.
Jon Rogness, 38, of Brookings, faces conspiracy and accessory charges in an alleged attempt to cover up the crimes.
Leif Olson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, announced the charges at a news conference Thursday in Sioux City, Iowa. Olson said the counts represented the most serious, readily provable charges and all originated in Iowa.
FBI Special Agent Gene Kowel did not mince words about the case.
This is a horrific case. There are no cases that we investigate that are more heart-wrenching and more tragic than the ones that involve children or the death of a child.
Neither man had attorneys listed in court records to comment on their behalf.
Why Was Milk Free Instead of Serving Life?
In February 2023, Noem commuted Milk's life sentence for a manslaughter conviction stemming from an October 1993 stabbing death. Milk, then 19, had been involved in several altercations in the city of Winner that ended with the death of Shawn Peneaux, according to records.
Milk was nearly three decades into his life term when Noem granted the commutation. He was in jail on unrelated allegations of driving under the influence and eluding police when Wendel's body was found.
Prosecutors finished their investigation in late May but did not formally link Milk to Wendel's death until filing charges Wednesday.
What Did South Dakota's Attorney General Say About the Commutation?
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley addressed the commutation directly during a late March news conference, making clear the decision belonged solely to Noem.
It is fairly often that you see law enforcement oppose commutations.
Jackley noted that the commutation documents were sealed and that even he had not seen them.
Where Does Kristi Noem Stand Now?
The Associated Press left a message Thursday for Noem seeking comment through NovaRed Mining, a Canadian firm she recently joined in a strategic advisory role.
Noem, 54, served as South Dakota's lone congressperson from 2011 to 2019 and as governor from 2019 to 2025. She later served as Homeland Security Secretary before being dismissed by President Donald Trump in March amid criticism of her handling of the administration's immigration crackdown and disaster response.
Trump subsequently praised Noem's leadership and appointed her special envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new organization of Western Hemisphere nations focused on supporting democracy and security in the region.
Why Does This Case Matter for Iowans?
Although the crime originated in South Dakota, the federal charges were filed in Iowa's Northern District, bringing the prosecution directly into Iowa's federal court system. The case also highlights broader questions about executive commutation powers, sealed records, and the consequences of releasing inmates serving life sentences.
For Iowa residents concerned about public safety and government accountability, the case underscores how decisions made in one state's executive office can have ripple effects across the region.
Could This Commutation Have Been Prevented?
Law enforcement officials have long warned that commutations of violent offenders carry inherent risks. Jackley's comments at the March news conference pointedly noted that law enforcement frequently opposes such actions, though he stopped short of directly criticizing Noem's decision.
The sealed nature of the commutation documents has also drawn scrutiny. Even South Dakota's top law enforcement official was unable to review the reasoning behind Milk's early release.
What Charges Does Mark Milk Face?
Milk faces five federal counts. The two most serious involve possession with intent to deliver cocaine that caused Wendel's death and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Rogness faces conspiracy and accessory charges for his alleged role in covering up the crimes.