Police Believe North Dakota Woman Was Murdered and Dismembered

Authorities say Isadora Wengel's boyfriend has been charged with her murder, but her body has not been found.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Isadora Wengel, 25, was last seen on New Year's Eve and reported missing on January 7. Police say they no longer believe she is alive after a saw blade allegedly bearing her DNA was found in trash outside her boyfriend's apartment. Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, has been arrested and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating a suspected homicide without a body, as well as the broader issue of domestic violence and the need for greater resources and support for victims.

The details

Authorities recovered a saw blade outside Hite's apartment that allegedly contained material linked to Wengel. Forensic testing also identified Wengel's DNA on multiple items recovered during the investigation, including materials Hite allegedly purchased on January 4, such as a reciprocating saw, plastic sheeting, and trash bags. Digital forensic analysis allegedly revealed internet searches by Hite for 'home depot Sawzall,' 'junk removal near me,' 'Dumpster,' and 'how to register for a legal alias.' Prosecutors also allege that Hite used Wengel's phone after her death to send messages to her family, creating the impression she was still alive.

  • Isadora Wengel was last seen on New Year's Eve.
  • Wengel was reported missing on January 7.
  • Joshua Alexander Hite was arrested on February 10.
  • Hite appeared in court on February 13, where a $5 million cash-only bail was set.
  • Hite is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on March 11.

The players

Isadora Wengel

A 25-year-old woman who was last seen on New Year's Eve and reported missing on January 7.

Joshua Alexander Hite

Wengel's 21-year-old boyfriend, who has been arrested and charged with her murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement.

David Zibolski

The Fargo Police Chief, who stated that authorities believe Wengel's death was a 'heinous and diabolical crime' and that there may have been dismemberment involved.

Constance Cleveland

The Cass County District Court judge who set a $5 million cash-only bail for Hite.

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What they’re saying

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

— David Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief (People.com)

“In order to bring closure and justice to the family, we need to recover Isadora's body. We find ourselves in the midst of a mid-winter thaw which may reveal her whereabouts.”

— David Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief (People.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 11 whether to allow Joshua Alexander Hite to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater resources and support for victims of domestic violence, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating a suspected homicide without a body. It underscores the importance of community involvement in helping to locate missing persons and bring closure to grieving families.