Jermain Charlo

Case Information:

Jermain Charlo, age 23, vanished from Missoula, Montana, in the late-night hours of June 15, 2018. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, she was last seen outside the Badlander bar.

The case has gained national attention as a symbol of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis. Despite years of searching, Jermain remains missing, and her family continues to advocate for justice.

Case Details:

Jermain is described by her family as a “bubbly” and talented artist who dreamed of attending the Institute of American Indian Arts. She is a devoted mother of two young sons who were her primary world.

On the night she disappeared, Jermain was in the company of her ex-boyfriend, Michael DeFrance. Surveillance footage captures the pair socializing in an alley before walking out of view together shortly before midnight.

Timeline of Events:

Jermain visited multiple locations on June 15, including the Dark Horse and the Badlander bar. After leaving the downtown area around midnight, her whereabouts become a subject of conflicting reports and digital evidence.

Phone records show both Jermain’s and DeFrance’s cellular devices pinged a tower near Evaro Hill around 2:00 a.m. on June 16. Her phone remained active in that rugged area until approximately 10:00 a.m. that morning.

Investigation:

Missoula Police detective Guy Baker has led the investigation, which is now considered a “no body homicide.” DeFrance reportedly provided conflicting accounts, initially claiming he dropped Jermain at Orange Street Food Farm.

He later admitted to authorities that he discarded Jermain’s cellphone near a mile marker in Idaho. Numerous grid searches across the Flathead Reservation have failed to recover her remains or her missing device.

Community Response:

The Missoula community has rallied behind Jermain, placing a prominent billboard at the bottom of Evaro Hill to keep her face visible. Her family gathers there annually on her birthday, April 23, to hold vigils and share memories.

The case was recently featured on the CBS documentary “48 Hours,” which brought renewed leads to investigators. Advocacy groups use her story to highlight the lack of urgency often seen in cases involving Indigenous women.

Family Statements:

Jermain’s aunt, Valenda Morigeau, has been a tireless voice, stating that her niece was an amazing writer and passionate soul. She emphasizes that the family will never stop searching for answers, regardless of how many years pass.

Her grandfather, David Velarde Jr., expressed the deep longing the family feels, often wondering what life would be like with her today. They remain dedicated to keeping her name in the public eye through donations and community events.

Physical Appearance:

Jermain stands 5’2″ tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She is also known by the name “Liz” and possesses a distinct tribal sun tattoo on her neck.

She was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, blue jeans, and a dark-colored hat, carrying a cellular phone that has never been found. Her appearance is often described as athletic and outdoorsy, reflecting her love for fishing and hunting.

Current Status:

As of May 2026, the disappearance of Jermain Austin Charlo remains an active and open homicide investigation. No charges have been filed, but Missoula County prosecutors believe they are close to a resolution.

The FBI continues to offer support to local detectives as they vet new leads generated by recent media coverage. Her family maintains the billboard on Highway 93 as a constant reminder to the public.

Contact Information:

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Jermain Charlo is urged to contact Detective Guy Baker at the Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6284. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the FBI or the Montana Department of Justice.

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