A North Dakota man stands accused of murdering his girlfriend, dismembering her body with power tools delivered via DoorDash, and then using her phone to deceive her family while disposing of her remains across state lines—a chilling case that exposes how modern technology can enable heinous crimes.
Story Snapshot
- Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, charged with murdering and dismembering girlfriend Isadora Wengel, 25, who disappeared December 31, 2025
- Police allege Hite ordered dismemberment tools through DoorDash and used victim’s phone to send misleading messages to her family
- Forensic evidence including DNA-matched human tissue on sawzall blade established probable cause despite remains not yet recovered
- Investigation reveals premeditated planning through Google searches for legal aliases and specific power tools days before the crime
Calculated Deception and Digital Manipulation
Joshua Alexander Hite ordered a sawzall, saw blade, plastic sheeting, trash bags, and duct tape through DoorDash delivery on January 4, 2026, just days after Isadora Wengel was last seen by her family on New Year’s Eve. Investigators discovered disturbing Google searches on Hite’s phone from the same day, including queries for how to register a legal alias and searches specifically for Home Depot Sawzall tools. This digital trail reveals a calculated effort to acquire murder implements while attempting to establish a false identity, demonstrating premeditation that law enforcement characterized as diabolical in nature.
Family Targeted Through Victim’s Own Phone
Between January 4 and 5, Hite allegedly accessed Wengel’s phone and sent unusual Snapchat photos of ceilings and walls to her mother and other contacts, creating the false impression that she was alive and communicating normally. This cruel deception kept the family from reporting her missing for several critical days while Hite allegedly disposed of evidence. When Hite claimed he had dropped Wengel off at her residence on January 5, surveillance footage directly contradicted his account, exposing his lies. The family finally reported Wengel missing on January 7, initiating an investigation that would uncover the horrifying truth.
Forensic Evidence Establishes Probable Cause
Fargo Police recovered a sawzall blade from Hite’s apartment containing what forensic pathologists identified as human bone, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. DNA analysis confirmed the biological material matched Isadora Wengel’s profile, providing the critical evidence linking Hite to her death despite her remains not being recovered. Police also found bloody plastic sheeting, clothing items with Wengel’s DNA, and one of two black tote containers believed used to transport her remains. Investigators determined Hite transported the remains in a 27-gallon storage box to Otter Tail County, Minnesota, between 2:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. in early January using a Subaru Impreza.
Multi-Jurisdictional Investigation and Ongoing Search
Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski stated authorities do not believe Isadora is alive and have probable cause to believe Josh Hite murdered her and tampered with evidence related to disposing of her body. The investigation involved coordination between Fargo Police, Otter Tail County Law Enforcement, and regional agencies across North Dakota and Minnesota. Despite recovering substantial evidence, authorities continue searching for Wengel’s remains and a second black tote container believed to contain additional evidence. Zibolski appealed to the public for assistance in locating the missing items, noting that seasonal thaw conditions may aid in the search efforts.
Justice Demands Answers for Grieving Family
Hite now faces charges of murder and evidence tampering as the investigation continues. This case demonstrates both the power of modern forensic science in establishing probable cause through DNA analysis and digital forensics, and the ongoing challenges families face when remains have not been recovered. The calculated nature of the alleged crime—from purchasing tools via delivery service to digitally impersonating the victim—reveals how technology can be weaponized by criminals. For Wengel’s family, the search for her remains continues as they seek closure and justice for a life taken in what authorities describe as a heinous and diabolical act.
Sources:
Missing woman presumed dead, ‘there may be some dismemberment involved’ police say – NewsChannel 9
