Fargo, North Dakota – Law enforcement is seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a suspected murder, as authorities believe they have identified the main suspect in the case. Police Chief Dave Zibolski announced that significant evidence ties 21-year-old Joshua Alexander Hite to the death of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel, though her remains have yet to be located.
Wengel, who was reported missing on January 7, was the subject of a police investigation that quickly pointed to foul play. Chief Zibolski expressed deep concern regarding her safety, stating, “We do not believe that Isadora is alive.” The police chief urged the community to keep Wengel’s family in their thoughts during this challenging time.
Hite was arrested on Tuesday outside his apartment in Fargo on charges that include murder and tampering with evidence. He is currently being held at the Cass County Jail. According to Zibolski, investigators have reason to believe that Hite committed what he characterized as a “heinous” crime, with indications that Wengel may have been dismembered and her body improperly disposed of.
Initial interactions with Hite began in early January when he was first taken in for questioning. After police executed a search warrant on January 9, they left without sufficient evidence to make an arrest at that time. However, ongoing investigations over the months yielded enough probable cause for Hite’s arrest.
Authorities are now expanding their search, focusing on a specific type of black tote delivered to Hite’s residence, which they believe may be linked to the disposal of Wengel’s body. Zibolski emphasized the importance of finding both the tote and Wengel herself, marking them as top priorities for investigators.
The investigation has also included a thorough 10-day search of a landfill, where officers worked in 12-hour shifts in an effort to locate additional evidence. Police have executed search warrants in both Fargo and Otter Tail County, Minnesota, in their quest for answers.
This case presents potential federal implications if Hite transported Wengel’s remains across state lines, widening the scope of the investigation further. As the probe continues, local authorities are asking residents to check their properties for any signs of the tote, which may provide crucial leads in the search for justice in Wengel’s case.