Video and forensic evidence suggest that Hite, who was reportedly found with recent cuts to his hands, wrists, knees and thighs, along with bruising on his lower back, attempted to conceal the possible murder while lying to authorities and her family members, according to Valley News Live, citing court documents.
Hite allegedly accessed Wengel's phone from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5 and sent unusual Snapchat photos of ceilings and walls of his apartment to her mother and another contact, the outlet reported. Wengel’s relatives then told investigators that the photos were "odd and not common photographs they would receive from Wengel," according to the documents.
The boyfriend also claimed he saw Wengel Jan. 5 when he allegedly dropped her off at her home. Surveillance footage, however, indicated that Wengel was not in his vehicle at that time, Valley News Live reported.
Officials found disturbing Google searches on Hite’s phone Jan. 4, including "how to register for a legal alias" and "home depot Sawzall," a brand-name high-powered reciprocating saw, documents reportedly said.
A recovered Home Depot receipt dated on the same day also showed the purchase of a Milwaukee Sawzall reciprocating saw, a carbide saw blade, clear plastic sheeting, extra-large trash bags and black duct tape, the outlet continued. Authorities believe the items were delivered by DoorDash at roughly 10:30 a.m. that day.