Murder Charges Filed Against Joshua Hite

Fargo man accused of killing girlfriend Isadora Wengel

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Cass County State's Attorney's Office has charged Joshua Hite with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement in the death of his girlfriend Isadora Wengel. Hite is scheduled for his first court appearance on Friday, and police believe Wengel's body may be located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice. The charges against Hite reflect the severity of the alleged crime and the efforts by law enforcement to locate Wengel's remains.

The details

According to authorities, Joshua Hite has been charged with murder, a class AA felony, tampering with physical evidence, a class C felony, and providing false information to law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor. Police believe Hite may have dismembered Wengel's body, which they suspect is located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.

  • Hite is scheduled for his first court appearance at 9am on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Cass County Courthouse.
  • Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski previously issued a news release about the case on an unspecified date.

The players

Joshua Hite

The defendant charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement in the death of his girlfriend Isadora Wengel.

Isadora Wengel

The victim who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend Joshua Hite.

Dave Zibolski

The Fargo Police Chief who previously issued a news release about the case.

Cass County State's Attorney's Office

The office that has charged Joshua Hite with the crimes.

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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 (newsdakota.com)

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

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

What’s next

Investigators have indications that Wengel's body may be in Otter Tail County, Minnesota and are asking for the public's assistance in searching secluded areas around Battle Lake and Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice. The charges against Hite reflect the gravity of the alleged crime, and the search for Wengel's remains in Minnesota highlights the ongoing efforts to provide closure for her family and community.