Nationwide — McKenna Wendel, a 14-year-old African American girl from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found dead a week after she went missing, authorities said. Police are investigating the circumstances, but confirmed that the public is not at risk.
McKenna was last seen on March 13 with a relative. She was described as Native American, 5-foot-2, weighing 98 pounds, with dark brown hair that had a teal streak and brown eyes. The Sioux Falls Police Department quickly asked the community for help in finding her.
According to People, search efforts involved multiple agencies and volunteers across the region. Despite the extensive search, police confirmed on March 19 that McKenna had been found dead.
Authorities stressed that no one else is being sought in connection with the case and thanked the public for their support during the search. “The Sioux Falls Police Department, along with many other resources from the region, will continue to piece together what happened to McKenna,” a news release stated.
Police Lt. Aaron Nyberg said the department is exploring all possibilities. Details are being kept limited to protect the integrity of the investigation. Officials plan to release more information as the case develops, while work continues to understand the events leading up to her death.