Battle Lake Search for Isadora Wengel Set for Sunday
BATTLE LAKE, Minn. (northwestmnnow.com) — Volunteers will gather Sunday, October 11, to continue searching for missing 25-year-old Isadora Wengel.
The community search begins at noon at Lions Park in Battle Lake, Minnesota.
Wengel was last seen at a Fargo Walmart on January 3, 2026. Her family reported her missing four days later.
Since her disappearance, volunteers have searched across North Dakota and Minnesota, hoping to locate evidence connected to the case.
Volunteers Gather for Another Search
MaLeah Jimenez organizes the Facebook group Bring Isadora Wengel Home.
Jimenez says community support has helped keep search efforts moving forward.
Previous searches included volunteers on foot, ATVs, horseback, and teams with dogs.
Organizers are encouraging people with equipment or other resources to contact the group before Sunday’s search.
The latest effort will focus on areas around Battle Lake and nearby rural communities.
Volunteers have previously searched Fargo, West Fargo, Clay County, and Otter Tail County.
Jimenez believes searching difficult rural areas could help narrow down possible locations containing evidence.
Police Continue Searching for Missing Storage Tote
The Fargo Police Department continues asking residents to watch for a black 27-gallon storage tote with a red lid.
Investigators believe the container could hold important evidence connected to Wengel’s disappearance and suspected death.
Police have previously asked people in Fargo, Moorhead, and rural Otter Tail County to check their properties.
Residents who locate a matching container should contact law enforcement rather than disturb possible evidence.
Fargo Police Report 99 Tips
As of Tuesday, October 6, Fargo police reported receiving 99 tips related to the investigation.
Information from community members continues to play a role in the search.
Jimenez says volunteers have covered many miles since the effort began earlier this year.
Each search helps organizers identify areas that have already been examined and places needing additional attention.
She also expressed appreciation for everyone who has volunteered, shared information, or helped spread awareness.
Fargo police and the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office declined interviews because the investigation remains active.
Joshua Hite Faces Murder Charge
Joshua Hite, 21, faces a Class AA felony murder charge in connection with Wengel’s suspected death.
He is also charged with tampering with physical evidence and providing false information to law enforcement.
Hite previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is expected to return to court later in October.
He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
How the Public Can Help
Anyone with information about Wengel or the missing storage tote is encouraged to contact the Fargo Police Department.
Investigators can be reached at 701-451-7660.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by texting FARGOPD and the information to 847411.
Additional instructions are available through the Fargo Police Department anonymous tip service.
Volunteers planning to attend Sunday’s search should check the organizing group’s Facebook page for updates and instructions.
More information about Wengel’s disappearance is available through the City of Fargo’s official missing person notice.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
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