A tragic case in North Dakota has taken a serious turn after police arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with his girlfriend’s disappearance and death. What started as a missing person investigation has now become a homicide case, with disturbing details shared by authorities.
Here is a clear and simple breakdown of what has happened so far.
Arrest Made in Isadora Wengel’s Death
The Fargo Police Department has arrested 21-year-old Joshua Alexander Hite in connection with the death of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel.
Hite has been charged with:
- Murder
- Tampering with evidence
Police Chief David Zibolski described the case as “heinous and diabolical,” adding that investigators believe dismemberment may have been involved.
Timeline of Disappearance
According to reports, Wengel was last seen by her father on December 31, 2025. She was officially reported missing on January 7.
By January 10, authorities publicly stated they suspected foul play.
Over the next several weeks, investigators:
- Reviewed security camera footage
- Ran vehicle license plate checks
- Followed multiple leads
- Conducted a 10-day search at a landfill
The investigation gradually built enough evidence for an arrest.
Relationship Between the Suspect and Victim
Police confirmed that Hite and Wengel were dating at the time of her disappearance. She was reportedly staying at his apartment in Fargo.
Hite was initially detained in early January when officers executed a search warrant. However, he was later released due to insufficient probable cause at the time. He remained a person of interest while investigators continued gathering evidence.
Black Tote Bags and Ongoing Search
One of the key details in the investigation involves two 27-gallon black tote bags that were delivered to Hite’s apartment during the investigation period.
Authorities recovered only one of the tote bags during the search. They are still looking for the second one.
Police believe Wengel’s body may have been disposed of during a midwinter freeze. Chief Zibolski explained that because the ground was frozen, digging would have been difficult. He suggested that someone trying to dispose of a body might have covered it with snow or placed it in a low-lying area.
Investigators now believe her remains could be located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
Multi-State Investigation Possible
If authorities confirm that Wengel’s body was transported across state lines, federal agencies may become involved in the case.
For now, Hite remains in jail while the investigation continues.
Community Shock and Ongoing Efforts
This case has deeply affected the Fargo community. The combination of a missing person case, suspected dismemberment, and possible cross-state disposal has left many disturbed.
Law enforcement officials have asked the public for assistance in locating the missing tote bag and any additional information that could help the search.
As temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, investigators believe new evidence may surface.
This heartbreaking situation serves as a reminder of how quickly a missing person case can turn into something much more serious. A young woman who was last seen on New Year’s Eve is now believed to be the victim of a violent crime.
Authorities continue their efforts to recover her remains and gather all necessary evidence. While the legal process moves forward, a family is left grieving, and a community waits for answers and justice.
