Police Seek Missing Tote Linked to West Fargo Murder Investigation
BY MN CRIME STAFF
Police say a key piece of potential evidence connected to the killing of a West Fargo woman remains missing as investigators continue searching across eastern North Dakota and west-central Minnesota.
Officials are also warning the public that rumors claiming her remains have been found are false.
The Fargo Police Department and West Fargo Police Department said Friday, Feb. 13, that 25-year-old Isadora Wengel’s remains have not been located and the homicide investigation remains active. Investigators continue asking for help locating a specific storage tote they believe may be tied to the disposal of her remains or other critical evidence.
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Wengel was reported missing Jan. 7 to the West Fargo Police Department, launching a joint investigation that expanded across the Fargo-Moorhead metro and into Otter Tail County, Minnesota. On Tuesday, Feb. 10, officers arrested Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, of Fargo, after investigators said probable cause was established to arrest him on charges of murder and tampering with evidence. Hite was taken into custody outside his apartment without incident.
As the investigation progressed, authorities publicly identified a black HDX 27-gallon Tough Storage Tote with a red lid as potential missing evidence possibly related to the disposal of Wengel’s remains or other evidence critical to the investigation. The container measures approximately 28.6 inches long, 19.6 inches wide and 15.2 inches high. Police believe the tote could be located anywhere between Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo and communities in Otter Tail County, particularly near Fergus Falls, Elizabeth, Underwood or Battle Lake.
Investigators reiterated that information circulating online claiming Wengel’s remains had been discovered in Otter Tail County is inaccurate. Police urged the public to rely on verified updates and warned that misinformation could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
via Fargo PD
Authorities continue pursuing leads developed since early January and are asking residents, landowners and travelers to check properties, outbuildings, ditches and rural areas for the tote. Anyone who locates the container or believes they may have information connected to the case is asked not to handle the item and instead contact law enforcement immediately.
The investigation has also drawn significant community involvement. More than 100 volunteers gathered Sunday, Feb. 15, near Dike East in Fargo for a community-led search along riverbanks and surrounding areas for possible evidence. Wengel’s parents, Brian Landsem and Heather Fones, appeared during the search to thank participants.
“From the bottom of my heart and soul, thank you so much. I cherish you all,” Landsem told the group.
Organizers assigned search areas and instructed volunteers to contact police if anything suspicious was found. Community members described traveling from across the region to assist the family and support ongoing efforts to locate Wengel.
Police say the public’s assistance remains critical as investigators continue working to locate evidence connected to the case. Anyone with information about the tote or the possible location of Wengel’s remains is asked to contact the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at 701-451-7660 or the appropriate local law enforcement agency. Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting the keyword FARGOPD or WFPD along with a tip to 847411.
