Kristi Noem Commutes Life Sentence of Man Charged in Teen's Death

A South Dakota man, Mark Milk, whose life sentence for manslaughter was commuted by Governor Kristi Noem, has been charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel. Wendel was found dead in a creek near Brookings, South Dakota, on March 19, five days after she was reported missing. Milk is facing federal charges for allegedly transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity and possessing cocaine related to Wendel's death. Milk had previously been sentenced to life in prison for manslaughter after fatally stabbing a man in 1993. In 2023, Noem commuted his sentence to 240 years, making him eligible for parole. Wendel was listed as a guest for Milk's upcoming parole hearing in June 2024. Noem's office did not respond to requests for comment. Additionally, Jon Rogness has been charged with conspiracy and acting as an accessory in the case. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley stated that the decision to commute Milk's sentence was solely Noem's responsibility.