A judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for 21-year-old Joshua Hite, who is accused of killing and dismembering his girlfriend, Isadora Wengel, 25. The whereabouts of her body remain unknown, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Charges Against Joshua Hite
Joshua Hite faces charges of murder and evidence tampering following the disappearance of his girlfriend. Authorities suspect that he dismembered Wengel using a saw that he ordered from Home Depot via DoorDash. The body is believed to be buried in a black storage box, although it has yet to be found.
Evidence Found in a Dumpster
Items belonging to Wengel, including a latex glove, a blade, and bloody plastic sheeting with her DNA, were discovered in a dumpster outside Hite’s apartment. Additionally, Hite allegedly deceived authorities and family members by sending photos from Wengel’s Snapchat account, pretending to be her. Investigators believe that her body may have been disposed of across state lines.
Timeline of Wengel’s Death
Police suspect that Wengel was likely killed between January 3 and 6. The investigation into her disappearance continues as authorities attempt to piece together the events surrounding her death.
Judge Orders Mental Health Evaluation
To assess Hite’s mental state, a judge has ordered a mental health evaluation. The evaluation will determine whether Hite is competent to stand trial and if he can understand the legal proceedings and assist in his defense. Hite has been sent to North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown for the evaluation, which could take up to 30 days to complete.
Evaluation Details
The exam will focus on whether Hite understood the nature of his actions at the time of the crime and if he experienced any distortions of reality. The results of the mental health evaluation will only be shared with Hite’s defense team. The judge has also ordered the examination to be completed within 15 days of receiving the necessary materials for assessment.
