Police said that the circumstances surrounding a 14-year-old missing girl’s death are “suspicious” after she was found dead in a creek in South Dakota during a snowstorm.
Sioux Falls Police officials said during a press briefing on Monday, March 23, that McKenna Wendel was last seen alive in Sioux Falls between the late evening on March 13 and the early morning of March 14. She was reported missing soon after on March 15.
Police said that a days-long search took place before Wendel’s body was found on March 19 in Brookings, South Dakota. The landowner of the property where Wendel was found said she was located in a drainage creek, per USA Today.
Authorities are still waiting for her cause and manner of her death to be confirmed, though police said during the press briefing that they believe the teen died under “suspicious circumstances.”
Authorities added that they retrieved evidence that indicated Wendel and “others” may have traveled to other locations within Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota while she was missing. However, it’s not clear who the “others” in question are at this time.
Wendel was believed to have been “transported in a vehicle” to the location where her body was found, according to officials. However, officers did not specify if she was alive or dead at the time she was moved.
The police captain told reporters that they were led to Wendel’s body with the help of a citizen and someone with knowledge of the situation, but he did not elaborate further.
Officers added that one of Wendel’s family members was arrested on unrelated charges of DUI, though insisted they are not a suspect in Wendel’s death at the time. Authorities added that Wendel’s family has been cooperative with detectives amid the investigation.
The case is currently under a multi-agency investigation that spans different jurisdictions including Brookings County, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. Meanwhile, police are working with the FBI and U.S. Attorney Office to try to learn what happened to Wendel.
Sioux City police have urged anyone with information to reach out to them as the investigation remains ongoing.
Wendel was an eighth-grade student at the time of her disappearance.
“From a young age, it was apparent McKenna had a vibrant personality and a zest for life. She loved being outdoors — climbing trees, playing in the park, and riding her bike,” her obituary read. “She could often be found digging in the dirt looking for critters or catching tadpoles to bring home as pets.”
The obituary went on to state that Wendel “loved animals” and “spent a great deal of time trying to convince her grandma that they should adopt lizards, frogs, and any other little creature that caught her eye.”
Wendel played volleyball and basketball starting in junior high.
“She made friends easily, her closest friend being Aaliyah. McKenna and Aaliyah loved their sleepovers, spending time making dance videos, listening to music, and watching the sunset,” the obituary continued. “McKenna’s friends adored her quick wit, her encouraging words, and her ability to light up even the quietest of rooms.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help Wendel’s family pay for funeral expenses.
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