Fargo Police Believe Isadora Wengel Was 'Heinously Murdered'

Authorities say her boyfriend Joshua Hite is the suspected killer and may have disposed of her remains in a 27-gallon tote.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Fargo Police say they believe 25-year-old Isadora Wengel was 'heinously murdered' by her boyfriend Joshua Hite. Authorities believe Wengel was dismembered and that Hite disposed of her remains in a 27-gallon tote, which may have been revealed during the current thaw after being hidden during a freeze. Hite is expected to face charges of murder and tampering with evidence.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the issue of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and resources to protect victims. It also underscores the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to help solve violent crimes.

The details

Police say Wengel and Hite had been dating since August. Authorities believe Hite dismembered Wengel's body and disposed of the remains in a 27-gallon tote, which may have been hidden during a freeze and could now be revealed as the ground thaws.

  • On Wednesday, Fargo Police held a press conference about the case.
  • Wengel and Hite had been dating since August 2025.

The players

Isadora Wengel

A 25-year-old woman who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend.

Joshua Hite

Wengel's 27-year-old boyfriend who is the suspected killer and may have disposed of her remains.

Fargo Police

The law enforcement agency investigating Wengel's murder.

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What they’re saying

“We believe Isadora Wengel was heinously murdered by her boyfriend Joshua Hite.”

— Fargo Police (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

Police are asking the public for help in locating the 27-gallon tote they believe Hite used to dispose of Wengel's remains.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to protect victims of domestic violence, as well as the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to help solve violent crimes.