CHILLING DoorDash Order Leads to Dismemberment

A North Dakota man is accused of using DoorDash to order dismemberment tools to his apartment after allegedly murdering his girlfriend, highlighting how modern conveniences can be exploited in the most heinous crimes.

Story Snapshot

Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, charged with murdering girlfriend Isadora Wengel, 25, and dismembering her body with tools delivered via DoorDash
Forensic evidence includes DNA-matched saw blade containing human bone, muscle, and adipose tissue matching the victim
Hite allegedly sent deceptive Snapchat messages from victim’s phone and searched online for “how to register for a legal alias”
Police believe remains were disposed across state lines in Minnesota amid frozen ground conditions

DoorDash Delivery Facilitated Alleged Crime

Joshua Alexander Hite ordered a Milwaukee Sawzall saw, carbide blade, plastic sheeting, trash bags, and duct tape through DoorDash delivery to his Fargo apartment on January 4-5, according to receipts recovered by investigators. Police say these tools were used to dismember Isadora Wengel after her murder. The 21-year-old also conducted Google searches for “how to register for a legal alias” and “home depot Sawzall” during the same timeframe. This chilling exploitation of a convenience service demonstrates how criminals adapt modern technology for evil purposes, raising concerns about delivery platform oversight.

Digital Deception and Cover-Up Attempts

After Wengel’s disappearance on New Year’s Eve, Hite accessed her phone and sent unusual Snapchat photos showing only ceilings and walls to her mother and contacts, attempting to create the illusion she was still alive. He provided false information to police about dropping her off at a location, claims contradicted by surveillance footage. The victim was reported missing on January 7 by her concerned family, who became suspicious of the odd communications. This digital manipulation represents a calculated effort to delay discovery and mislead investigators while disposing of evidence.

Forensic Evidence Confirms Dismemberment

Fargo Police recovered a saw blade containing what forensic pathologists described as an “admixed fragmented array of human bone, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue” matching Wengel’s DNA. Additional evidence collected from Hite’s apartment includes bloody plastic sheeting, a glove containing mixed DNA, and one 27-gallon black tote—with a second matching tote still missing. Chief David Zibolski described the crime as “heinous and diabolical,” confirming probable cause for dismemberment. Investigators believe Hite transported remains to Otter Tail County, Minnesota, approximately one hour away, during early morning hours of January 4-5 amid frozen ground conditions.

Family Seeks Closure as Search Continues

Wengel’s family reported her missing after receiving the suspicious Snapchat messages that seemed inconsistent with her normal communication patterns. The 25-year-old woman was last seen wearing a white cardigan, jeans, and either white Air Force 1 sneakers or Uggs. Police Chief Zibolski has urged the public to provide tips regarding the missing black tote or any remains, noting that midwinter thaw conditions may aid discovery efforts. The family’s vigilance in questioning unusual communications proved crucial in triggering the investigation that led to Hite’s arrest and murder charges.

Broader Implications for Delivery Services

This case raises troubling questions about how delivery platforms like DoorDash can be misused to acquire tools for criminal purposes without triggering suspicion. While the economic impact remains minimal beyond police overtime costs, the social ramifications include heightened awareness of domestic violence patterns and potential scrutiny of delivery verification procedures. The case may establish legal precedent for digital and forensic evidence in dismemberment prosecutions. Hite faces charges of murder, evidence tampering, and providing false information, with the investigation ongoing as authorities search for additional remains.