Fargo (trfnews.i234.me) — Newly unsealed Cass County warrants say Joshua Hite told investigators where he discarded Isadora Wengel’s remains.
Wengel, 24, was reported missing after early January. Hite, 21, was arrested on Feb. 10. Court records allege he killed Wengel at his Fargo apartment between Jan. 3 and Jan. 5.
The new warrants show investigators sought more evidence in late February. The requests covered Hite’s Snapchat account and another vehicle tied to his father, Jesse Hite.
What the warrants say
According to the filings, Hite gave investigators a letter on Feb. 12. The letter described where he said he left Wengel’s remains.
Investigators said Hite directed them to a junkyard in Underwood, Minnesota. He allegedly said most remains were inside a black tote with a red lid.
The warrants say the tote was wrapped in plastic. They also say the lid was secured with zip ties.
Investigators later searched that site. The warrants say they did not find Wengel’s remains there.
The junkyard is tied to the family of Trent Foss, identified as a childhood friend of Hite.
Second disposal site named
The same filings say Hite also named a second location. He allegedly told investigators that other remains were left in a garbage bag.
That bag was allegedly placed in a dumpster at Beach Bums in Battle Lake, Minnesota. The warrants also say Wengel’s personal items and a saw were put there.
Investigators believe part of the remains may have been moved around Jan. 6 or Jan. 7. Those details came from the warrant language.
Possible wider investigation
The warrants also show investigators are looking at whether others may have helped after the killing. That part of the case remains under review.
Records say the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office examined a Snapchat group thread. That thread included messages from Foss, according to the filings.
Investigators also interviewed Jesse Hite on Jan. 10. The warrant says he spoke about using a Subaru and helping with car repairs on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6.
Case status
As of Feb. 24, the warrants state Wengel’s remains still had not been found.
Hite remains held on a $5 million bond at the Cass County Jail. A judge also ordered mental health evaluations in the case.
More case details may emerge as court proceedings continue. The investigation also involves the Fargo Police Department.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.