Fargo Murder, Attempted Murder Hearings Delayed
A Cass County judge postponed proceedings for two defendants to allow for external expert evidence reviews.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Crime — General
The court has continued the hearings for Joshua Alexander Hite and Jessica McCroskey until November 19, 2026. Both cases face delays as defense teams coordinate outside expert evaluations.
Why it matters
The judicial delays in Fargo allow the defense to complete independent reviews of evidence, a standard procedure for ensuring comprehensive preparation in serious criminal matters.
Joshua Alexander Hite, 21, faces Class AA felony murder, tampering with evidence, and providing false information charges. Jessica McCroskey is currently charged with attempted murder related to a July 2025 stabbing.
The players
Joshua Alexander Hite
He is a 21-year-old defendant currently facing Class AA felony murder charges in Cass County.
Jessica McCroskey
She is a defendant currently facing a charge of attempted murder.
Isadora Wengel
The 25-year-old woman was reported missing after being last seen at a local retailer in January.
The details
Joshua Alexander Hite is accused in connection with the disappearance of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel, who was last seen at a Fargo Walmart on January 3. Jessica McCroskey faces charges for an alleged stabbing incident involving a man's neck and hand occurring in July 2025.
Timeline
July 2025: Alleged stabbing incident involving Jessica McCroskey.
January 3: Isadora Wengel was last seen at the Fargo Walmart.
October 21, 2026: Hearings were officially continued in Cass County court.
November 19, 2026: Rescheduled court hearings for Hite and McCroskey set for 1:30 p.m.
Legal Context
These continuances reflect established judicial practices that prioritize the right to a robust defense by allowing time for specialized expert evidence analysis. Such procedural moves are common in complex felony cases to prevent future appeals based on inadequate trial preparation.
The ongoing legal proceedings in Cass County maintain the focus of local law enforcement on the active investigation into the disappearance of Isadora Wengel. Residents should remain aware of scheduled court dates which may result in increased security or activity at the county courthouse.
The takeaway
Legal delays like these are essential to the integrity of the judicial process, ensuring that all expert evidence is thoroughly vetted before trial. This step protects the rights of the accused while helping to build a comprehensive case for the court.
What happens next
The court has scheduled the next hearings for both Joshua Alexander Hite and Jessica McCroskey on November 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Further reading
For more updates on local legal proceedings, visit the Fargo Crime — General section.
