Fargo Man Arrested, Charged With Murder in Case of Missing Isadora Wengel
Published: February 12, 2026
FARGO MN — The Fargo Police Department, with assistance from the Metro Street Crimes Unit, has arrested a 21-year-old Fargo man in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel.
Joshua Alexander Hite was taken into custody at 1:33 p.m. Tuesday, February 10, outside his apartment without incident. Authorities say probable cause was established to arrest Hite on charges of murder and tampering with evidence following weeks of investigation.
Wengel was reported missing January 7 to the West Fargo Police Department. She was last seen Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in West Fargo. Since her disappearance, local agencies have conducted a joint investigation with assistance from the FBI’s Fargo Resident Agency.
No additional details about the case were immediately released.
Search for Potential Evidence
Investigators are also asking for the public’s help in locating a storage container believed to be connected to the case.
Authorities are searching for a black and yellow HDX 27-Gallon Tough Storage Tote, measuring approximately 28.6 inches long, 19.6 inches wide and 15.2 inches high. The tote is considered potential missing evidence possibly related to the disposal of Wengel’s remains or other critical evidence.
Police believe the tote could be anywhere between the Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo metro area and Otter Tail County, Minnesota — specifically near Fergus Falls, Elizabeth, Underwood and Battle Lake.
Anyone with information about Wengel’s disappearance or the location of the storage tote is urged to contact Fargo Police at 701-451-7660 or the Red River Regional Dispatch Center. Tips may also be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Anonymous tips can be sent by texting the keyword FARGOPD or WFPD along with the tip to 847411.
The investigation remains ongoing.
