Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski speaks at a news conference related to the disappearance of Isadora Wengel. Fargo Police arrested Joshua Hite February 10 in connection with the incident. (Photo / Danielle Webster)
FARGO (KFGO) – The disappearance of a West Fargo woman is now a murder investigation. Joshua Hite, 21, of Fargo is facing charges in the disappearance of Isadora Wengel, who was reported missing by her father January 7.
Hite was arrested at his apartment Tuesday afternoon on charges of murder and tampering with evidence.
The multi-agency investigation has led to extensive searches of the Fargo landfill, Hite’s apartment and elsewhere. It’s believed Wengel was last seen alive on New Years Eve, she was 24 at the time of her disappearance.
Joshua Hite (Cass Co. Jail)
“Isadora Wengel was heinously murdered and we, meaning the police department collectively, have probable cause to to believe that Josh Hite, her boyfriend, is the person who murdered and tampered with evidence related to the disposal of her body.” Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski said. “We believe this to be a heinous and diabolical crime, and we believe there may be some dismemberment involved.”
Investigators have indications that Wengel’s body may be in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
“What we’re asking the public to do, from Fargo to Moorhead to Fergus, Battle Lake and Otter Tail County is the following, based on the fact that we know the disposal of her body occured in extremely cold weather with significant snow on the ground. We now find ourselves in the midst of a mid-winter thaw, which may reveal her whereabouts.” Zibolski said.
Investigators in the disappearance of Isadora Wengel are asking the public’s help, especially those in rural Otter Tail County, in finding a black tote with a red cover. Police say Joshua Hite had two totes delivered to his Fargo apartment and only one of them has been recovered.
Zibolski says Hite had two plastic totes delivered to his apartment and only one of them has been recovered. The missing tote is believed to be somewhere between the Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead metro area or in Otter Tail County Minnesota, including the Fergus Falls, Elizabeth, Underwood and Battle Lake areas.
“We’re asking community members in these areas to search their properties, especially those in rural areas near roadways throughout this area we’ve described, for any sign of this type of tote or any sign of Isadora.” Zibolski said.
Anyone with possible information about the location of the missing tote or the disappearance of Isadora Wengel is asked to contact law enforcement immediately.
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