FARGO, N.D. – Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski said, based on evidence collected in their investigation, 25-year-old Isadora Wengel was killed and he believes dismemberment of her body could be involved.
Zibolski said authorities are still searching for Wengel’s body. The search has included 10-hour shifts at the City of Fargo landfill for 10 days.
Her boyfriend, 21-year-old Joshua Hite was arrested outside his apartment on Tuesday, February 10 with help from the Metro Street Crimes Unit. He faces murder and tampering with evidence charges. Fargo Police say Hite was detained two days after Wengel was reported missing, but there was no probable cause to arrest him. Zibolski didn’t say what evidence led them to have that probable cause to take Hite into custody this week.
Zibolski said Hite ordered two 27 gallon totes that were sent to his apartment, but police only found one during a search of his Fargo apartment. Authorities are asking anyone in the Fargo-Moorhead, Fergus Falls or Otter Tail County to call Red River Dispatch at 701-451-7660, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office at 218-998-8555, or their police department if they see the tote or know anything about this case.
Wengel was last seen by her father in West Fargo on December 31, 2025 and she was reported missing on January 7.
Zibolski said Fargo Police has met with Wengel’s family and will do so again soon.
