Fargo Man Charged with Wengel Murder Housed Alone in Maximum Security Cell

Jail officials reveal new details about housing violent offenders

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 21-year-old Fargo man accused of killing and dismembering a 25-year-old woman is being held on a $5 million bond and housed alone in a maximum security cell at the Cass County Jail. Jail officials say violent offenders are carefully placed and monitored for safety concerns.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges jails face in housing and supervising inmates charged with violent crimes, as they balance safety, security, and the rights of the accused.

The details

Joshua Hite is accused of killing Isadora Wengel, 25, and then allegedly dismembering her body and disposing of it. At the Cass County Jail, Hite is housed in a single cell by himself, classified as maximum custody, and is only allowed out for a few hours each day. Jail officials continuously monitor inmates with violent charges for safety concerns and will move them to more secure housing if issues arise.

  • Hite will remain in maximum custody for at least 30 days before he can be reassessed.
  • Hite is due in court on March 11.

The players

Joshua Hite

A 21-year-old Fargo man accused of killing and dismembering a 25-year-old woman.

Isadora Wengel

A 25-year-old woman who was allegedly killed and dismembered by Joshua Hite.

Captain Andrew Frobig

The jail administrator for the Cass County Sheriff's Office.

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What they’re saying

“Anybody with what's considered to be a violent felony level offense is going to be housed with other people that have serious conduct issues or also here for violent charges.”

— Captain Andrew Frobig, Jail Administrator, Cass County Sheriff's Office (Valley News Live)

“We're monitoring not only the comments or the actions of the other inmates but also his own.”

— Captain Andrew Frobig, Jail Administrator, Cass County Sheriff's Office (Valley News Live)

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 11 whether to continue holding Hite on the $5 million bond.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges jails face in balancing safety, security, and the rights of the accused when housing inmates charged with violent crimes. The careful monitoring and placement of these inmates is crucial to preventing further incidents.