Disappearance of West Fargo Woman Now Considered a Murder

Body may be dismembered, police say

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The disappearance of 24-year-old Isadora Wengel is now being investigated as a murder case. Her boyfriend, 21-year-old Joshua Hite, has been arrested and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. Police believe Wengel was killed on New Year's Eve and that her body may have been dismembered and disposed of in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence and the importance of thorough investigations when someone goes missing. The potential dismemberment of Wengel's body adds an additional layer of horror and complexity to the case.

The details

Hite was arrested at his apartment on Tuesday afternoon and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. Extensive searches have been conducted at the Fargo landfill, Hite's apartment, and other locations. Police believe Wengel's body may be in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, and are asking the public to check their properties for any signs of a plastic tote that may have been used to dispose of her remains.

  • Isadora Wengel was last seen alive on New Year's Eve.
  • Wengel was reported missing by her father on January 7.
  • Hite was arrested at his apartment on Tuesday afternoon.

The players

Joshua Hite

A 21-year-old Fargo resident who has been charged with murder and tampering with evidence in the disappearance of his girlfriend, Isadora Wengel.

Isadora Wengel

A 24-year-old West Fargo woman who was reported missing by her father on January 7 and is now believed to have been murdered by her boyfriend, Joshua Hite.

Dave Zibolski

The Fargo Police Chief, who stated that Wengel was "heinously murdered" and that there may be evidence of dismemberment involved.

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What they’re saying

“Isadora Wengel was heinously murdered and we, meaning the police department collectively, have probable cause to to believe that Josh Hite, her boyfriend, is the person who murdered and tampered with evidence related to the disposal of her body.”

— Dave Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief

“We believe this to be a heinous and diabolical crime, and we believe there may be some dismemberment involved.”

— Dave Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Joshua Hite to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and action around domestic violence, as well as the importance of thorough investigations when someone goes missing. The potential dismemberment of Wengel's body adds an additional layer of horror and complexity to the case.