Boyfriend Charged in Gruesome Case: Missing Woman’s Dismemberment and Disturbing Texts Unveiled

The boyfriend of Isadora Wengel, who went missing, has been charged with dismembering her body in North Dakota. Allegedly, he ordered the necessary tools via DoorDash to his apartment before disposing of her remains across state lines.

Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, was taken into custody last week following an extensive investigation into the disappearance of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel. She was last seen by her family on December 31 and reported missing on January 7.

The Fargo Police Department stated, “Our investigation has led us to believe that Isadora Wengel was brutally murdered.” They added, “We have gathered enough evidence to suspect that Josh Hite, her boyfriend, is responsible for her murder and the subsequent tampering with evidence related to the disposal of her body.”

The authorities described the crime as “heinous and diabolical,” indicating the likelihood of dismemberment being involved in the case.

Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, was apprehended on February 10, 2026, in connection with the disappearance of Izzy Wengel in North Dakota.

Video and forensic evidence suggest that Hite, who was reportedly found with recent cuts to his hands, wrists, knees and thighs, along with bruising on his lower back, attempted to conceal the possible murder while lying to authorities and her family members, according to Valley News Live, citing court documents. 

Hite allegedly accessed Wengel’s phone from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5 and sent unusual Snapchat photos of ceilings and walls of his apartment to her mother and another contact, the outlet reported. Wengel’s relatives then told investigators that the photos were “odd and not common photographs they would receive from Wengel,” according to the documents.

The boyfriend also claimed he saw Wengel Jan. 5 when he allegedly dropped her off at her home. Surveillance footage, however, indicated that Wengel was not in his vehicle at that time, Valley News Live reported.

Isadora Wengel was reported missing Jan. 7, 2026. (GoFundMe)

Officials found disturbing Google searches on Hite’s phone Jan. 4, including “how to register for a legal alias” and “home depot Sawzall,” a brand-name high-powered reciprocating saw, documents reportedly said. 

A recovered Home Depot receipt dated on the same day also showed the purchase of a Milwaukee Sawzall reciprocating saw, a carbide saw blade, clear plastic sheeting, extra-large trash bags and black duct tape, the outlet continued. Authorities believe the items were delivered by DoorDash at roughly 10:30 a.m. that day. 

Isadora Wengel was last seen wearing a white cardigan with pink hearts near Fargo, N.D.  (Fargo Police Department)

Numerous items containing a DNA profile matching Wengel were also seized from Hite’s apartment and surrounding areas, including a 12-inch Diablo Steel Damon Carbide Sawzall blade. Black garbage bags containing bloody plastic sheeting, Wengel’s Halloween costume, a blue latex glove, a bathroom mat, plastic sheeting, medical gauze and towels were also recovered. 

During the body disposal, police say, Hite may have used a Subaru Impreza to transport the remains in a large 27-gallon storage box to Otter Tail County, Minnesota, roughly one hour away by car, between 2 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

A Subaru Impreza may have been used to transport Wengel to Minnesota. (Fargo Police Department)

Police speculate that because the ground was frozen with significant snowfall at the time of the disposal, the suspect likely could not dig into the ground. They believe the tote may have been covered with snow or placed in a low-lying area but said they are hopeful the “midwinter thaw” will reveal it.

“Based on the fact that we know the disposal of her body occurred in extremely cold weather with significant snow on the ground,” police said, “we now find ourselves in the midst of a midwinter thaw, which may reveal her whereabouts.”

Hite faces charges of murder and evidence tampering after an investigation by regional law enforcement agencies.