Second community volunteer search planned in Battle Lake for Isadora Wengel evidence

Volunteers will gather at Lions Park, 749 Lake Shore Drive in Battle Lake, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, for a community-led search seeking evidence tied to the disappearance and suspected murder of Isadora Wengel. Organizers say maps and flyers will be distributed at Lions Park and volunteers will be assigned specific search locations.

Authorities and local organizers are asking the public to look specifically for an HDX 27-gallon black storage tote that investigators believe "contains critical evidence in her death." Police have said Wengel’s body has not been recovered. Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski told reporters investigators no longer believe there is a chance Wengel is alive, but rather that Joshua Alexander Hite "heinously murdered" her, according to InForum excerpts. Hite was formally charged with murder on Thursday, Feb. 12, and is being held on a $5 million cash-only bond at the Cass County Jail; InForum identified him as 21 and noted he graduated from Battle Lake High School in 2022.

The Battle Lake search expands a volunteer effort that drew roughly 100 people the previous Sunday, Feb. 15, at Dike East Park in Fargo. Valley News Live reported nearly 100 volunteers at that site while InForum described "more than 100 people" showing up in Fargo. Valley News Live’s Facebook post about the planned Battle Lake search registered 459 reactions, 68 comments and 131 shares in the snapshot provided.

Organizers have urged volunteers to prepare for winter conditions. Valley News Live’s coverage advised that cold weather is expected, with temperatures in the low 20s and new snow on the ground. They said participants should dress warmly and bring their own food and drinks. Walking sticks or ski poles are also encouraged for the search efforts. InForum quoted an organizer named Jimenez saying she hopes people from the Fargo-Moorhead metro will join local Otter Tail County residents for the event. More coordination and updates are being shared on the Bring Isadora Wengel Home Facebook page.

Social media shows a range of community responses. On Valley News Live’s post, commenter Jeremy Umland asked, "Is there any need for side by sides or atvs to help with the search?" Cheryl Jongbloed asked, "What is the correlation between the man that committed this crime and these other areas where they think the body could be?" Wendy Kay wrote, "Why doesnt that kid just tells the police where he disposed her and let the family grieve." Facebook user Desaree DeNoyer posted a longer prayer, including these lines verbatim: "And I pray boldly: In the name of Jesus, may truth be revealed. In the name of Jesus, may darkness be brought into the light. In the name of Jesus, may every hidden thing be uncovered. In the name of Jesus, may her family receive answers. Lord, release the truth. Expose what needs to be exposed. Protect every volunteer. Comfort her mother, her father, her loved ones. Fargo–Moorhead, let’s stand together. If you can search, search. If you can share, share. If you can pray, pray. If you can do all 3 PTL We move as one."

Most reporting identifies Wengel as 25 years old, though one InForum excerpt used 24 in an isolated reference. Officials and organizers advising the Battle Lake search have not released further identifying markers for the tote beyond the HDX 27-gallon black storage description; volunteers are asked to follow assignment maps distributed at Lions Park and to check the Bring Isadora Wengel Home Facebook page for updates.