Man Pardoned by Governor Kristi Noem Now Charged in Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old Niece
The details of Milk's past conviction have raised questions about the decision to grant him clemency in 2023. Then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem's office had cited Milk's good behavior while in prison and his participation in rehabilitation programs as reasons for the clemency. However, the brutal nature of the 1993 homicide has sparked criticism, with some arguing that Milk's release from prison was premature.
In addition to the charges against Milk, another man has been charged in connection with McKenna's death. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa announced that a second individual, whose name has not been released, is facing charges related to the case. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the charges or the individual's relationship to McKenna or Milk.
The investigation into McKenna's death is ongoing, with the FBI and local authorities working to piece together the events surrounding her disappearance and murder. The case has drawn attention to the issue of violence against Indigenous women and children, with the FBI's Operation Not Forgotten playing a key role in the investigation. As the case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to reveal more details about the circumstances surrounding McKenna's death, including the results of the autopsy and any additional evidence that may have been uncovered during the investigation.
The court's previous ruling on Milk's case highlighted the severity of his actions, with photographic evidence indicating that he had gone beyond self-defense. This history has raised concerns about his release from prison and subsequent involvement in another violent crime.
Milk had made efforts to rehabilitate himself during his time in prison, including using his work release paychecks to open a bank account for his nieces and nephews' college educations. He also mentored young men in and out of prison, which his parents cited as a positive development in his life.
The South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended commutation of Milk's life sentence, citing his work ethic and leadership role in the prison where he was housed. This recommendation led to then-Gov. Kristi Noem commuting his sentence in 2023.
Milk now faces charges in connection with McKenna's death, although his initial court date has not been announced. Another man, 38-year-old Jon Rogness, has also been charged in the case with being an accessory after the fact and tampering with a witness, victim, or informant.
Rogness has a history of violent crime, having pleaded guilty but mentally ill to a charge of first-degree manslaughter in 2007. He was released from prison in 2024 and was on parole at the time of McKenna's death.
The relationship between Milk and Rogness, as well as the circumstances surrounding McKenna's death, remain unclear. Authorities have stated that these details will be revealed during the trial.
Sioux Falls Police Chief Thum has urged the public to trust the law enforcement effort, stating that the investigation into McKenna's death is a top priority. McKenna's mother, Marisa Wendel, has expressed gratitude for the department's work on the case, describing her family as "broken" by the ordeal.
In addition to the charges against Milk, another man has been charged in connection with McKenna's death. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa announced that a second individual, whose name has not been released, is facing charges related to the case. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the charges or the individual's relationship to McKenna or Milk.
The investigation into McKenna's death is ongoing, with the FBI and local authorities working to piece together the events surrounding her disappearance and murder. The case has drawn attention to the issue of violence against Indigenous women and children, with the FBI's Operation Not Forgotten playing a key role in the investigation. As the case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to reveal more details about the circumstances surrounding McKenna's death, including the results of the autopsy and any additional evidence that may have been uncovered during the investigation.
The court's previous ruling on Milk's case highlighted the severity of his actions, with photographic evidence indicating that he had gone beyond self-defense. This history has raised concerns about his release from prison and subsequent involvement in another violent crime.
Milk had made efforts to rehabilitate himself during his time in prison, including using his work release paychecks to open a bank account for his nieces and nephews' college educations. He also mentored young men in and out of prison, which his parents cited as a positive development in his life.
The South Dakota Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended commutation of Milk's life sentence, citing his work ethic and leadership role in the prison where he was housed. This recommendation led to then-Gov. Kristi Noem commuting his sentence in 2023.
Milk now faces charges in connection with McKenna's death, although his initial court date has not been announced. Another man, 38-year-old Jon Rogness, has also been charged in the case with being an accessory after the fact and tampering with a witness, victim, or informant.
Rogness has a history of violent crime, having pleaded guilty but mentally ill to a charge of first-degree manslaughter in 2007. He was released from prison in 2024 and was on parole at the time of McKenna's death.
The relationship between Milk and Rogness, as well as the circumstances surrounding McKenna's death, remain unclear. Authorities have stated that these details will be revealed during the trial.
Sioux Falls Police Chief Thum has urged the public to trust the law enforcement effort, stating that the investigation into McKenna's death is a top priority. McKenna's mother, Marisa Wendel, has expressed gratitude for the department's work on the case, describing her family as "broken" by the ordeal.
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