The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office says it is assisting in a multi-agency investigation into the death of a Sioux Falls teenager.
Authorities say 14-year-old McKenna Wendel of Sioux Falls had been missing since Friday, March 13th, and was reported missing on Sunday, March 15th. Sioux Falls Police say there were suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Wendel’s body was found on Thursday morning, March 19th, near Brookings, South Dakota.
In a release on Monday, March 23rd, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it has been working with the Sioux Falls Police Department and other agencies as the investigation continues. Officials say the exact nature of Lyon County’s involvement is not being released at this time.
According to investigators, the case spans multiple jurisdictions, with agencies at the local, state, and federal levels involved across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, including the FBI. Authorities say the investigation has included locations in Lyon County, Iowa, and Rock County, Minnesota, where Wendel and others may have been during the timeline of the case.
Sioux Falls Police have confirmed Wendel was found deceased and say they are not currently searching for any suspects. Officials add they do not believe there is any danger to the public. An autopsy has been conducted, but results have not yet been released.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office says this will likely be its only statement regarding the case, with future updates expected to come from the Sioux Falls Police Department to avoid compromising the investigation or any potential prosecution.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Wendel’s death.
Portions of this story are courtesy of KIWA Radio
