Fargo Police Arrest Boyfriend of Missing Woman as Authorities Believe He Heinously Murdered and Dismembered Her in North Dakota

The quiet city of Fargo, North Dakota, has been shaken after 25-year-old Isadora Wengel disappeared in early January.

Last seen at a Walmart on January 3, Wengel’s sudden disappearance triggered concern among her family and sparked an intense police investigation.

Four days later, her family reported her missing to Fargo authorities, setting off a sprawling search effort that spanned the metropolitan area.

Massive Search Efforts Mobilized

For ten consecutive days, officers worked 12-hour shifts scouring the region, including a thorough search of a local landfill.

Volunteers and law enforcement collaborated in hopes of finding any trace of Wengel.

As winter’s harsh grip tightened the landscape, authorities faced the added difficulty of snow and freezing temperatures potentially hiding crucial evidence.

Arrest and Allegations Against Boyfriend

Last week, the case took a grim turn.

Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, Wengel’s boyfriend, was arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski described the case as “heinous and diabolical,” suggesting that Wengel may have been dismembered.

Chief Zibolski confirmed that police have probable cause linking Hite to both the murder and tampering with evidence related to Wengel’s disappearance.

Disturbing Details Emerge

Court documents reveal a troubling narrative.

Hite told authorities that Wengel had been staying with him since New Year’s Day, and claimed that after a January 4 argument—he wanted to end their relationship—he returned her to her home.

He said he later left her cellphone on her deck when no one answered the door.

Investigators, however, found Hite to be “emotionless” and evasive during questioning.

Phone records added another layer of suspicion.

On January 4, Wengel’s phone reportedly sent unusual photos of Hite’s apartment’s ceilings and walls to her mother and another contact, described as “odd” by family members.

A search of Hite’s apartment uncovered items with Wengel’s DNA: plastic sheeting, a bathroom mat, bloody gauze, and a saw blade.

A blue latex glove contained a mixed DNA profile matching both Hite and Wengel.

Digital Footprints and Suspicious Purchases

Investigators noted a series of alarming online searches by Hite on January 4, including terms like “home depot Sawzall,” “junk removal near me,” “Dumpster,” and “how to register for a legal alias.”

That same day, he reportedly ordered a reciprocating saw, plastic sheeting, trash bags, and duct tape for delivery via DoorDash.

Police also observed cuts and bruises on Hite’s hands, wrists, knees, thighs, and lower back.

Ongoing Search and Legal Proceedings

Hite now faces charges of murder, tampering with evidence, and providing false information.

He remains held on $5 million bail.

Police continue searching for Wengel’s remains, specifically focusing on an HDX 27-gallon tough storage tote believed to have been used to dispose of her body.

Of two totes delivered to Hite’s apartment, one remains missing, potentially holding crucial evidence.

Family and Community Response

While the investigation continues, Wengel’s family is relying on the support of the community.

An online fundraiser for her mother, Heather, and sister, Callista, has already raised over $14,200 to help them manage expenses and support ongoing search efforts.

Friends describe Wengel as “witty, silly, sarcastic, insightful, and incredibly empathetic,” remembering her as a bright presence whose memory continues to inspire love and support.

What’s Next?

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant in the Fargo and Otter Tail County areas, particularly keeping an eye out for the missing storage tote.

Meanwhile, investigators are analyzing all digital and physical evidence, hoping that the thawing winter conditions may reveal new leads.

Hite’s legal proceedings will move forward as police work tirelessly to uncover the full truth.

Summary

The disappearance of Isadora Wengel has evolved into a tragic criminal investigation centered on her boyfriend, Joshua Alexander Hite.

Police allege a brutal murder and evidence tampering, while the search for her remains continues.

The community has rallied around Wengel’s family, honoring her life and supporting the ongoing search and legal process.