Prosecutors in Jeanna North case discuss challenges of filing murder charges when victim is missing

FARGO (KVRR) – Two former prosecutors involved in a high-profile Fargo murder case in which the victim was never found say homicide cases can be difficult, but not impossible to prove under those circumstances.

In 1993, former Cass County States Attorney John Goff filed the original murder charges against Kyle Bell in connection with the disappearance and death of 11-year-old Jeanna North. The case was given national media attention and despite numerous searches, Jeanna was never found.

Bell was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1999.

Fast forward to 2026: Joshua Hite is accused of killing 25 year-old Isadora Wengel. Like the North case, Wengel’s remains have not been found.

“It’s difficult because you have to prove the death. I mean, that’s an element. Somebody causing the death of another human being in such circumstances as a murder,” Goff said. “You have to prove the death and you have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Former Cass County States Attorney Birch Burdick was elected 1998 and oversaw Bell’s trial the following year.

“You need proof beyond a reasonable doubt for a jury to decide that the defendant is guilty. And so, law enforcement and prosecutors certainly must believe they have that kind of information in the ongoing case,” Burdick said

Investigators believe Hite disposed of Wengel’s body and said there may be “dismemberment involved.” They’re asking the public to look for a black 27 gallon tote with a red lid.

“It sounds to me like they certainly have enough evidence for probable cause and I think they’re pushing beyond a reasonable doubt, from just what I’ve seen in the news reports, said Goff.

Burdick added “I assume that the prosecutors have, together with law enforcement, looked at the situation they have and felt that they’re in a position to explain to the jury why there was a death and why the defendant was a cause of that death.”

Wengel was last seen by her father on New Year’s Eve near the 900 block of 3 1/2 Avenue East in West Fargo. She was reported missing on January 7.

Fargo Police say they’ve received more than 70 tips from the public since Hite was arrested.