Authorities looking for body of woman ‘heinously murdered,’ possibly dismembered

FARGO, N.D. (KVLY/Gray News) - Police in North Dakota are asking for the public’s help in recovering a woman’s body who is believed to murdered.

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski said strong evidence links 21-year-old Joshua Alexander Hite to 25-year-old Isadora Wengel’s death, though her body has not been found.

“This is a crime that is hard to imagine someone could commit, but we believe this is exactly what has happened,” Zibolski said during a news conference at police headquarters.

Wengel was reported missing to West Fargo police on Jan. 7. Investigators said in their initial press conference that they suspected foul play.

“We do not believe that Isadora is alive,” Zibolski said. The police chief asked the community to keep Wengel’s family in their thoughts and prayers.

Hite was arrested on Tuesday afternoon outside his Fargo apartment. The 21-year-old is facing charges of murder and tampering with evidence. He is being held at the Cass County Jail.

Zibolski said investigators believe that Wengel was “heinously murdered” with Hite disposing of her body. He described the crime as “devious” and said there may be “some dismemberment involved.”

Hite was initially detained in early January. Police executed a search warrant on Jan. 9 but did not find probable cause at the time. He remained a strong person of interest as investigators worked over the following months to develop probable cause for his arrest this week.

The case could involve potential federal violations if Hite moved Wengel’s body across state lines, Zibolski noted.

The investigation has included a 10-day landfill search with 12-hour shifts. Search warrants have been served in Fargo and Otter Tail County, Minnesota, with extensive evidence reviews.

Police are asking residents to search their properties for a specific type of black tote that was delivered to Hite’s apartment. Authorities believe the tote may be connected to the disposal of Wengel’s body.

Zibolski said finding Wengel and the tote are the department’s top priorities for public information.