Missing: Isadora Leigh Wengel, 25 — Search extends into western Minnesota

Alert details

Isadora Leigh Wengel, 25, remains missing in a case that has led investigators from Fargo and West Fargo, North Dakota, into western Minnesota. A murder prosecution is pending, but her remains had not been recovered in the latest October 21, 2026 reporting reviewed for this update.

Anyone with information should call Fargo Police at 701-451-7660. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting FARGOPD or WFPD followed by the information to 847411. West Fargo Police can also be reached at 701-515-5500.

Description: Isadora is 5 feet 3 inches tall, approximately 175 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Police described her last known clothing as a white cardigan with pink hearts, blue jeans and either white Air Force 1 shoes or Ugg boots.

Her father last saw her December 31, 2025, in West Fargo. Later court reporting identified surveillance of her at a Fargo Walmart on January 3, 2026. Her family reported her missing January 7. These dates describe different events; the family sighting, later surveillance and missing-person report should not be treated as the same date.

Fargo Police served a search warrant at an apartment on Calico Drive South on January 9. Investigators also searched a section of the Fargo landfill for evidence. The investigation involved Fargo Police, West Fargo Police and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The Minnesota search connection includes Otter Tail County. Police requested footage of a Subaru Impreza with North Dakota plate 592ETF between 2 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on January 7. Their appeal named Erhard, Elizabeth, Fergus Falls, Underwood, Amor, Battle Lake, Dalton and surrounding rural areas. Police asked people to review security, doorbell, dash and trail cameras.

Investigators have also sought a black 27-gallon storage tote with a red lid as potential evidence. Its significance remains part of the investigation; it should not be described as a recovered container or a confirmed location of remains.

Joshua Alexander Hite was arrested February 10. On July 15, he pleaded not guilty to murder, tampering with physical evidence and providing false information to law enforcement, according to Valley News Live/KFYR reporting. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

An October 21 Valley News Live update reported that his next hearing was moved to November 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. after the defense requested additional time for an outside expert to review evidence. Hearing dates remain subject to change.

Community searches have continued in western Minnesota, including the Battle Lake area. Direct any information or possible evidence to law enforcement.

Photo: Isadora Wengel, supplied for public sharing by the Fargo Police Department. This post was updated October 29, 2026.

Missing-person details

Name

Isadora Leigh Wengel

Age

25

Last seen date/time

January 3, 2026 — Walmart surveillance reported; father last saw her December 31, 2025

Last seen location

Fargo / West Fargo, North Dakota

Description and identifying details

Height

5 feet 3 inches

Weight

Approximately 175 pounds

Hair

Blonde

Eyes

Hazel

Contact information

Contact agency

Fargo Police Department

Contact phone

701-451-7660

Additional details

Source: Fargo Police — photograph, description and public appeal

https://fargond.gov/news-events/city-news-releases/post-detail?id=6965bf1d0a6dec8ffe2a386e

Source: Fargo Police — father’s last sighting

https://fargond.gov/news-events/city-news-releases/post-detail?id=696550ee0a6dec8ffe0ec943

Source: Fargo Police — arrest and tip contacts

https://fargond.gov/news-events/city-news-releases/post-detail?id=698bc2587faba394f9c90568

Source: Fargo Police — January search warrant

https://fargond.gov/news-events/city-news-releases/post-detail?id=6962ee1f0a6dec8ffe855527

Source: Fargo Police — Minnesota camera appeal

https://nextdoor.com/agency-post/nd/fargo/fargo-police-department-1/as-the-investigation-into-the-disappearance-of-25-year-old-isadora-wengel-continues-the-fargopd-and-west-fargo-police-department-are-sharing-a-recap-of-previously-released-information-and-requests-for-public-assistance-related-to-this-case-455416842/

Source: KFYR/Valley News Live — July pleas

https://www.kfyrtv.com/2026/07/15/joshua-hite-pleads-not-guilty-murder-other-charges-isadora-wengel-case/

Source: Valley News Live — October 21 court update

https://www.valleynewslive.com/2026/10/21/hite-case-hearing-pushed-back-again-defense-reviews-evidence/

Source: Valley News Live — Minnesota searches

https://www.valleynewslive.com/2026/10/07/search-continues-sunday-missing-25-year-old-isadora-wengel/