Authorities Continue Investigation into Death of Sioux Falls Teen Found Near Brookings

Name: Public visitation for McKenna Wendel
Start: 2025-03-25T16:00
End: 2025-03-25T18:00
Location: Heritage Funeral Home

Steve Jurrens
Mar 25
2 min read

Red and blue police lights flash in a dark setting. "Special Report" and "Northeast Radio SD" text is visible. Mood is urgent.

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Law enforcement agencies in Sioux Falls and Brookings are continuing an active investigation following the discovery of the body of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel.

Wendel was reported missing on March 13. Her body was recovered on March 19 in a rural area approximately two miles southwest of the Brookings city limits. The discovery was confirmed during a joint news conference held by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office on Monday.

Investigation Details

Sioux Falls Police Captain Terrance Matia stated that the recovery resulted from information provided by a citizen and another individual with specific knowledge of the area. While authorities are treating the circumstances as suspicious, a formal cause of death has not yet been released pending a final report from the medical examiner.

The investigation has expanded to include sites in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. The Sioux Falls Police Department is coordinating with the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Official Response

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley attended Monday’s briefing, stating that state resources are fully committed to the case.

“Law enforcement is giving this the attention it deserves,” Jackley said. “We are working to bring justice for what happened to McKenna.”

The announcement comes as Jackley’s office also confirmed that 10 legislative measures proposed this Session, including a new genetic data privacy law, were signed into law by Governor Larry Rhoden earlier this week.

Scheduled Services

Public visitation for McKenna Wendel is scheduled for today, Wednesday, March 25, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, March 26, at 10:00 AM at The Church of the Good Shepherd.

No suspects have been named in the case at this time. Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding Wendel’s disappearance or her whereabouts between March 13 and March 19 to contact the Sioux Falls Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers.