Key points: Fargo police say missing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel is believed to be dead after a saw blade found outside her boyfriend’s apartment tested positive for material matching her DNA. Her boyfriend, 21-year-old Joshua Alexander Hite, was arrested Feb. 10 on charges including murder, tampering with evidence and providing false information; a $5 million cash-only bond was set. Investigators say purchases, digital searches and alleged phone use after Wengel’s disappearance are part of the probe, and authorities are seeking a second black tote that may contain critical evidence. The search for her remains is ongoing.
Fargo Police: Isadora Wengel Believed Dead; Boyfriend Arrested After Saw Blade With Her DNA Found
The City of Fargo; Cass Co. Jail
Fargo police say investigators now believe 25-year-old Isadora Wengel, who was last seen on New Year’s Eve and reported missing Jan. 7, is dead. Authorities allege they recovered a saw blade outside the apartment of Wengel’s boyfriend that contained biological material matching her DNA.
The City of Fargo
Investigation and Arrest
At a Feb. 11 news conference, Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski identified 21-year-old Joshua Alexander Hite as the primary suspect. According to court records and statements from prosecutors, Hite was arrested on Feb. 10 and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence and providing false information to law enforcement. A Cass County judge set a $5 million cash-only bond; a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11.
Fargo Police Department/Facebook
Evidence Reported by Authorities
Local outlets and police reports say investigators recovered multiple items they say link Wengel to the scene. Reported evidence includes:
The City of Fargo
- Forensic testing allegedly matched Wengel’s DNA to material on a saw blade found outside Hite’s apartment.
- Items prosecutors say were purchased by Hite on Jan. 4 — including a reciprocating saw, plastic sheeting and heavy-duty trash bags — were recovered or identified in the probe.
- Digital forensic analysis reportedly showed searches tied to devices linked to the case for terms such as "Home Depot Sawzall," "junk removal near me," "Dumpster," and "how to register for a legal alias."
- Prosecutors also allege Hite used Wengel’s phone after her disappearance to message family members, creating the impression she was still alive.
"We believe this to be a heinous and diabolical crime, and we believe there may be some dismemberment involved," Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski said at the Feb. 11 press conference.
Search for Remains and Public Appeal
Wengel’s body has not been recovered. Investigators say they are especially focused on locating a second black tote that they believe could contain key evidence or remains; police say Hite purchased two black totes but only one was recovered from his apartment search. Authorities have asked residents in parts of North Dakota and nearby Minnesota—particularly those in rural areas and along roadways—to check their properties for any black totes that could be connected to the case.
Next Steps
Hite remains in custody pending continued proceedings. Prosecutors have laid out evidence to support the charges, and searches for additional evidence and Wengel’s remains are ongoing as temperatures rise and snow melts. Hite’s attorney declined to comment to media.
Note: The charges and allegations are based on statements from law enforcement and court records; Hite is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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