Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man charged in the death of his girlfriend will undergo two mental health evaluations before his case moves forward in court.
Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, is accused of killing Isadora Wengel, 24, of West Fargo, in early January. A Cass County judge signed the orders on Monday, March 16.
Court Orders Two Mental Evaluations
One evaluation will examine whether Hite was criminally responsible at the time of Wengel’s death. The second will decide if he is fit to proceed in court.
That second review will test whether Hite understands the case against him. It will also examine whether he can help in his own defense.
If he is found unfit, the court would then consider whether his competency can be restored.
Under North Dakota law, a person may be found not guilty due to lack of criminal responsibility if a mental disease or defect keeps them from understanding the harmful nature of their actions. The law also covers cases where a person’s grasp on reality is seriously distorted.
Prosecutors Outline Evidence
Prosecutors allege Hite dismembered Wengel’s body and disposed of her remains. Investigators have not found Wengel.
According to court documents, officers recovered several items from a dumpster near Hite’s apartment. Those items reportedly included Wengel’s blood and DNA.
Among the items listed in court records were towels and a 12-inch metal cutting blade. Prosecutors say the evidence supports the murder case.
Investigators also allege Hite used Wengel’s phone after her death. Prosecutors say he searched on her phone to mislead investigators. They also allege he sent messages to her family to make it seem she was still alive.
Charges and Custody Status
Hite was arrested on Feb. 10, nearly a month after Wengel’s death. He is charged in Cass County District Court with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and providing false information to law enforcement.
He remains jailed in Cass County on a $5 million bond. Court information is available through the Cass County court system. Custody and corrections details are listed by Cass County Corrections.
The case remains active. More hearings are expected after the mental evaluations are complete.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.