Missing North Dakota Woman Isadora Wengel Believed Dead, Boyfriend Arrested

Fargo police say 25-year-old Isadora Wengel was "heinously murdered" and her body has not been recovered.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Authorities in Fargo, North Dakota, no longer believe that missing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel is alive. Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski announced that Wengel's boyfriend, 21-year-old Joshua Hite, has been arrested and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false statements. The investigation into Wengel's disappearance began on January 7 when she was reported missing, and police believe her body may have been disposed of in a large tote that has not been recovered.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially when the victim's remains have not been recovered. The public's assistance in locating any evidence related to Wengel's disappearance will be crucial for providing closure to her family and holding the perpetrator accountable.

The details

According to Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski, Hite was arrested on February 10 on probable cause that he murdered Wengel and tampered with evidence related to the disposal of her body. Hite was originally detained on January 9 when police executed a search warrant on his apartment, but there was not enough evidence at that time to make an arrest. Investigators believe Wengel's body may have been dismembered and disposed of in a large, 27-gallon tote that has not been recovered. Police are asking the public to search their properties, especially in rural areas near roadways, for any sign of the missing tote or Wengel's remains.

  • Isadora Wengel was reported missing to the West Fargo Police Department on January 7.
  • Fargo police executed a search warrant on Joshua Hite's apartment on January 9.
  • Hite was arrested on February 10 without incident.
  • Hite made his initial court appearance on February 13, with bail set at $5 million, cash only.
  • A preliminary hearing for Hite is scheduled for March.

The players

Isadora Wengel

A 25-year-old resident of West Fargo, North Dakota who has been missing since New Year's Eve and is now believed to have been murdered by her boyfriend.

Joshua Hite

The 21-year-old boyfriend of Isadora Wengel who has been arrested and charged with her murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false statements.

Dave Zibolski

The Fargo Police Chief who announced the arrest of Joshua Hite and provided updates on the investigation into Isadora Wengel's disappearance and presumed murder.

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What they’re saying

“What we believe based on the investigation thus far is that Isadora Wengel was heinously murdered.”

— Dave Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief (nbcnews.com)

“We — meaning the police department, collectively — have probable cause 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 (nbcnews.com)

“There's still work to be done. We want to finish this case and see it to the end.”

— Dave Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 1 whether or not to allow Joshua Hite to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence and the need for comprehensive support systems to protect vulnerable individuals. The public's assistance in locating any evidence related to Isadora Wengel's disappearance will be crucial for providing closure to her family and ensuring justice is served.