By: Bobby Falat
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A new judge has been assigned to the murder case against Joshua Hite, according to a court order signed Feb. 18.
Judge Steven E. McCullough of the East Central Judicial District has been named as presiding judge in the case, replacing Judge Constance Cleveland.
The order comes after Hite’s defense attorneys filed a demand for a change of judge on Feb. 13, within 10 days of his arraignment, as allowed under North Dakota law. The court order states the demand was filed “in good faith and not for the purpose of delay” and that Cleveland had not ruled on any matters in the case.
Hite, 21, is charged with Class AA felony murder, tampering with physical evidence and providing false information to law enforcement in connection with the disappearance and suspected death of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel.
Hite is scheduled to appear in court on March 11 at 9 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.
Investigation Ongoing
The Fargo Police Department said on Monday, Feb. 23, it has no new updates in the murder and disappearance investigation, as investigators continue to await the opportunity to formally interview Hite.
In a statement, Police Chief Dave Zibolski said the department is dedicating full investigative resources to the case, with a primary focus on locating a missing 27-gallon HDX storage tote.
