Prosecutors Pursue Murder Case Without Body

Former prosecutors reflect on challenges of proving death in high-profile cases

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Two former prosecutors in North Dakota discuss the difficulties of pursuing murder cases when the victim's body has not been found, drawing on their experiences with past cases like the 1993 disappearance of 11-year-old Jeanna North and the current case of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel, whose body has not been recovered.

Why it matters

Homicide cases without a body are notoriously challenging to prosecute, as prosecutors must prove the victim's death beyond a reasonable doubt without physical evidence. These cases highlight the legal and investigative complexities involved when a body is not recovered, raising questions about the limits of the justice system in such circumstances.

The details

In 1993, former Cass County States Attorney John Goff filed murder charges against Kyle Bell in the disappearance and presumed death of 11-year-old Jeanna North, even though her body was never found. Bell was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1999. Now, in 2026, Joshua Hite is accused of killing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel, whose remains have also not been recovered. Former prosecutor Birch Burdick, who oversaw Bell's trial, says prosecutors must have enough evidence to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, even without a body. Investigators believe Hite may have disposed of Wengel's body and are asking the public to look for a specific tote that may contain evidence.

  • In 1993, former Cass County States Attorney John Goff filed the original murder charges against Kyle Bell.
  • In 1999, Bell was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
  • In 2026, Joshua Hite is accused of killing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel.
  • Wengel was last seen by her father on New Year's Eve near the 900 block of 3 1/2 Avenue East in West Fargo.
  • Wengel was reported missing on January 7.

The players

John Goff

Former Cass County States Attorney who filed the original murder charges against Kyle Bell in 1993.

Kyle Bell

Convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1999 for the disappearance and presumed death of 11-year-old Jeanna North, even though her body was never found.

Birch Burdick

Former Cass County States Attorney who oversaw Kyle Bell's trial in 1999.

Joshua Hite

Accused of killing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel, whose remains have not been recovered.

Isadora Wengel

A 25-year-old woman who was killed, and whose body has not been found.

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What they’re saying

“It's difficult because you have to prove the death. I mean, that's an element. Somebody causing the death of another human being in such circumstances as a murder. You have to prove the death and you have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.”

— John Goff, Former Cass County States Attorney (kfgo.com)

“You need proof beyond a reasonable doubt for a jury to decide that the defendant is guilty. And so, law enforcement and prosecutors certainly must believe they have that kind of information in the ongoing case.”

— Birch Burdick, Former Cass County States Attorney (kfgo.com)

“It sounds to me like they certainly have enough evidence for probable cause and I think they're pushing beyond a reasonable doubt, from just what I've seen in the news reports.”

— John Goff, Former Cass County States Attorney (kfgo.com)

What’s next

Investigators are asking the public to look for a black 27 gallon tote with a red lid, which they believe may contain evidence related to Isadora Wengel's disappearance.

The takeaway

Homicide cases without a body are extremely challenging for prosecutors, who must prove the victim's death beyond a reasonable doubt without physical evidence. These cases highlight the legal complexities involved when a body is not recovered, and the importance of thorough investigation and strong circumstantial evidence to secure a conviction.