Hite case hearing pushed back again as defense reviews evidence

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - A hearing in the murder case against Joshua Alexander Hite was continued Wednesday after the defense asked for additional time to have an outside expert review evidence in the case, though the judge denied the defense’s request for as long a delay as it sought.

Hite’s defense asked the court for a January date, saying it wants an outside expert to review evidence in the case. Prosecutors said they understood the defense’s position and would not object to the request. The judge continued the case only to Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m., saying the case needs to keep moving.

As Valley News Live previously reported, Hite, 21, is charged with Class AA felony murder, tampering with physical evidence and providing false information to law enforcement in connection with the disappearance and suspected death of Isadora Wengel, 25, who was last seen Jan. 3 at a Fargo Walmart. Her body has not been recovered.

Also in court Wednesday: McCroskey attempted murder case

In a separate Cass County hearing, the attempted murder case against Jessica McCroskey was also continued to Nov. 19. The defense told the court it is still waiting on an evaluation from an outside expert and said it was unclear whether that evaluation has occurred while she has been in custody. The defense indicated that if the court did not grant a continuance, it would seek a February trial date instead.

As Valley News Live previously reported, McCroskey is charged with attempted murder after police said she approached a man outside his business in July 2025 and stabbed him in the neck and hand as he struggled to get the knife away from her.