Judge sets $5M bond for man accused of killing Isadora Wengel

Joshua Hite faces Class AA felony murder charges in the death of the 25-year-old West Fargo woman.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A judge in Cass County, North Dakota has set a $5 million cash-only bond for Joshua Hite, who is accused of killing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel of West Fargo. Hite appeared in court on multiple charges, including Class AA felony murder, and will return for a preliminary hearing on March 11.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in the Fargo-West Fargo community, where Wengel was a resident. The high bond amount reflects the severity of the charges and the court's concern about public safety if Hite were to be released.

The details

Joshua Hite appeared in Cass County District Court this morning to face the charges related to Wengel's death. The judge set his bond at $5 million cash only, meaning Hite would need to post the full amount to be released from custody before his trial.

  • Hite appeared in court on February 13, 2026.
  • A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The players

Joshua Hite

The man accused of killing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel and facing Class AA felony murder charges.

Isadora Wengel

A 25-year-old resident of West Fargo, North Dakota who was killed.

Cass County District Court

The court that set the $5 million cash-only bond for Joshua Hite.

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What’s next

The judge will preside over a preliminary hearing for Joshua Hite on March 11, 2026 at 9 a.m. to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges.

The takeaway

This high-profile case has shaken the Fargo-West Fargo community, and the judge's decision to set an exceptionally high bond reflects the severity of the alleged crime and the court's concern for public safety if the defendant were to be released.