Police in Fargo, North Dakota, have charged a 21‑year‑old man with murder and evidence tampering in the disappearance of his girlfriend,Isadora Wengel, who has been missing for weeks, authorities confirm.
The case has drawn significant attention due to evidence recovered during the investigation and the use of the missing woman's phone after her disappearance.
Wengel, aged 25, was last seen by family on 31 December 2025 and was reported missing to law enforcement on 7 January 2026. Officers say the disappearance prompted an extensive inquiry that ultimately led to the arrest of her boyfriend, Joshua Alexander Hite, on 10 February 2026.
Hite is currently charged with murder, evidence tampering, and providing false information to law enforcement. Local authorities allege that Wengel was murdered and that her remains weredismembered, based on evidence recovered during searches of Hite's residence and surrounding areas.
According to police statements and court filings, investigators found Wengel's DNA on a saw blade recovered from a dumpster outside Hite's apartment. Officers also recovered other items allegedly purchased by Hite — including plastic sheeting and trash bags — which were collected as part of the ongoing investigation.
At a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 11, prosecutors are expected to outline the full scope of their case, including forensic findings that link Hite to the alleged killing and disposal of evidence.
Investigators also analysed digital and surveillance evidence in the weeks following Wengel's disappearance. Authorities report that Hite continued to use Wengel's phone after she was last seen, sending messages and unusual images to her family members.
These later turned out to be pictures of ceilings and walls within Hite's own apartment rather than photos from Wengel's life.
Police say this pattern of messages created the impression that Wengel was still alive, contributing to the complexity and duration of the missing‑person investigation. The content of these communications is now part of the evidence being reviewed by prosecutors.
Despite the evidence recovered so far, Wengel's body has not yet been located. Authorities are actively pursuing leads related to a missing black tote bag believed to have been purchased by Hite and connected to the disposal of the alleged crime scene.
Source: International Business Times UK
