North Dakota Man Arrested as Police Fear Missing Woman Was Dismembered
Police in Fargo, North Dakota, have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the disappearance of his girlfriend, Isadora Wengel, amid fears that she was the victim of a homicide involving dismemberment.
Joshua Alexander Hite was taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon and faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence. The investigation began after Wengel, 24, was reported missing on January 7, though authorities believe she was last seen alive on New Year’s Eve.
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski stated during a press conference that investigators have established probable cause to believe Hite “heinously murdered” Wengel. While Wengel’s remains have not yet been recovered, Chief Zibolski indicated that evidence suggests the body may have been dismembered and disposed of.
Authorities are currently focusing their search on a missing 27-gallon black plastic tote with a red lid. Police confirmed that two such totes were delivered to Hite’s apartment, but only one was recovered during a search of the premises. Investigators believe the disposal of the body likely occurred during a period of extreme cold and heavy snow, but recent thawing conditions may aid in the recovery efforts in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, or Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
It is important to note that the charges against Hite are currently accusations. He remains in custody at the Cass County Jail and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. No plea has yet been entered in the case.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have seen the distinctive black tote with a red lid or who has information regarding Wengel’s disappearance to contact the Fargo Police Department immediately.
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