Fargo Man Charged with Murdering Girlfriend, Dismembering Body

Joshua Hite, 21, accused of killing 24-year-old Isadora Wengel and tampering with evidence

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 21-year-old Fargo man has been charged with murder, evidence tampering, and providing false information to police in the death of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Isadora Wengel. Investigators believe Hite dismembered Wengel's body using an electric saw purchased at a local hardware store, and disposed of the remains in a dumpster outside his apartment. Police recovered evidence including a plastic sheet with Wengel's DNA, a saw blade containing human bone and tissue, and other items like gloves and duct tape that suggest an attempt to cover up the crime.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence and the extreme measures some perpetrators will take to conceal their crimes. It also raises questions about public safety and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals in relationships. The gruesome details of the alleged dismemberment have also shocked the local community.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, police found evidence in Hite's apartment and a nearby dumpster linking him to Wengel's death, including a plastic sheet with her DNA, a saw blade containing human remains, and items like gloves and duct tape that suggest an attempt to cover up the crime. Investigators also observed recent injuries on Hite's body that appeared to have occurred around the time of the alleged murder.

  • Wengel was last seen alive on New Year's Eve.
  • Wengel was reported missing on January 7.
  • Hite was arrested at his south Fargo apartment on Tuesday, February 12.

The players

Joshua Hite

A 21-year-old Fargo man charged with murder, evidence tampering, and providing false information to police in the death of his girlfriend, Isadora Wengel.

Isadora Wengel

A 24-year-old West Fargo woman who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Joshua Hite.

Mark Voigtschild

The lead detective assigned to the case.

Jesse Hinz

A detective who observed and photographed injuries on Hite's body that appeared to have occurred recently.

Dave Zibolski

The Fargo Police Chief who described the murder as 'heinous.'

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Joshua Hite out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence and the extreme measures some perpetrators will take to conceal their crimes. It also raises questions about public safety and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals in relationships.