21-Year-Old Arrested in Disappearance of Isadora Wengel

Fargo Police say Joshua Hite faces murder and tampering charges in the case

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Fargo Police have arrested 21-year-old Joshua Hite in connection with the disappearance of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel of West Fargo. Hite was taken into custody on February 10 with the help of the Metro Street Crimes Unit and now faces murder and tampering with evidence charges, though authorities have not provided specifics on the evidence linking him to the case.

Why it matters

Wengel's disappearance on New Year's Eve sparked a major investigation in the Fargo area, with authorities now alleging foul play was involved. The arrest of Hite, a young man with no clear connection to Wengel, raises many questions about the motives and circumstances behind this tragic case.

The details

Police say they established probable cause to arrest Hite based on evidence and information collected during the investigation, though they did not provide any further details. Wengel was last seen by her father on December 31 and was reported missing on January 7.

  • Isadora Wengel was last seen by her father on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2025).
  • Wengel was reported missing on January 7, 2026.
  • Joshua Hite was arrested outside his apartment on February 10, 2026.

The players

Joshua Hite

A 21-year-old man arrested by Fargo Police in connection with the disappearance of Isadora Wengel. He faces murder and tampering with evidence charges.

Isadora Wengel

A 25-year-old woman from West Fargo who was reported missing on January 7, 2026 after last being seen by her father on New Year's Eve.

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What they’re saying

“We must follow the evidence wherever it leads to ensure justice is served in this tragic case.”

— Fargo Police Department

What’s next

The judge will decide on Hite's bail status at a hearing on February 15.

The takeaway

This arrest marks a major development in the investigation into Isadora Wengel's disappearance, but many questions remain about the motives and circumstances behind this case. The community will be watching closely as the legal process unfolds.