Judge Orders Mental Health Exams for Man Charged in Isadora Wengel's Death

Joshua Alexander Hite faces murder, tampering, and false information charges in the disappearance of the 25-year-old woman.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:18am

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A judge in Fargo, North Dakota has ordered two separate mental health examinations for Joshua Alexander Hite, the man charged in the death of Isadora Wengel. The first exam will determine Hite's competency to stand trial, while the second will assess his criminal responsibility at the time of the alleged crime. Wengel was last seen at a Fargo Walmart on January 3, 2026, and her body has not been recovered.

Why it matters

The judge's orders for mental health evaluations suggest the case may hinge on Hite's mental state and capacity to understand his actions. This could have significant implications for how the case proceeds and any potential sentencing if Hite is found guilty.

The details

Court documents show Judge Steven McCullough ordered Hite to undergo a competency examination to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial, as well as a criminal responsibility examination to assess whether he lacked the capacity to understand the harmful nature of his alleged actions. The competency exam must be completed within 15 days of the state hospital receiving the necessary case materials, with results filed within 30 days. The criminal responsibility exam results will only be provided to Hite's defense counsel.

  • Isadora Wengel was last seen at a Fargo Walmart on January 3, 2026.
  • Wengel's family reported her missing on January 7, 2026.
  • Hite has a Felony Dispositional Conference set for April 30, 2026.

The players

Joshua Alexander Hite

The man charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement in connection with Isadora Wengel's death.

Judge Steven McCullough

The judge who ordered the mental health examinations for Hite.

Isadora Wengel

The 25-year-old woman who was last seen at a Fargo Walmart on January 3, 2026 and whose body has not been recovered.

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What’s next

The judge will receive the results of the competency and criminal responsibility examinations, which will likely play a key role in how the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thoroughly evaluating a defendant's mental state, especially in serious criminal cases where the outcome could have significant implications for both the individual and the community.