Otter Tail County woman Isadora Wengel allegedly dismembered; boyfriend charged

Fargo police arrested 21-year-old Joshua Alexander Hite and charged him Feb. 12 with murder, tampering with physical evidence and providing false statements after investigators say blood-stained items in a Dumpster behind his Fargo apartment matched the DNA of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel. Authorities recovered a saw with remnants of human remains among the Dumpster items, and investigators have urged the public to search for a specific HDX 27-gallon Tough Storage Tote — black with a red lid — that may contain additional evidence.

Wengel’s family filed a missing-persons report on Jan. 7, 2026; her father told investigators he had last seen his daughter on Dec. 31, 2025. Law enforcement flagged the Jan. 7 report as involving possible foul play, and surveillance footage captured Hite’s vehicle in Fergus Falls at roughly 4:45 a.m. the same day. Hite, a 2022 graduate of Battle Lake High School, remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 31, 2026.

Searches executed under a warrant at Hite’s Fargo apartment turned up items that matched the Dumpster contents, including plastic sheets, duct tape and blue latex gloves. Investigators say a Home Depot receipt found during the probe showed purchases of “27-gallon black totes with red lids,” and the initial search recovered only one of those totes. Law enforcement describes the sought container as an HDX 27-gallon Tough Storage Tote measuring 28.6 inches by 19.6 inches by 15.2 inches.

Police have asked residents across Fargo, Moorhead and Otter Tail County to check properties for the specific tote, calling particular attention to Fergus Falls, Elizabeth, Underwood and Battle Lake. Zibolski said it’s possible the tote was buried under snow or placed in a low-lying area. The Fergus Falls Journal advisory states, “If located, residents should not touch the tote, and contact law enforcement immediately.” The Fargo Police Department tip line is (701) 235-4493.

Community members and reporters are mobilizing searches. The Vault podcast episode titled “The Search for Isadora Wengel: ACTIVE CASE” features Forum reporter Tasha Carvell behind the scenes of the investigation and urges listeners to help. A Facebook group called Bring Isadora Wengel Home is organizing search parties, and MaLeah Jiminez of Fargo, who says she shares mutual friends with Wengel, is spearheading local efforts. Jiminez told reporters, “She's loved, and she will continue to be loved.”

Investigators continue to treat the case as active; officials say evidence in the Dumpster tied to Wengel’s DNA prompted the homicide charge and the focused request for the HDX tote. Hite remains charged in connection with the alleged killing and dismemberment, and authorities continue to ask residents in the listed communities to check yards, sheds and low-lying areas and to call (701) 235-4493 immediately if they locate the described tote.