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Jermain Charlo

Missing Person Medium Featured ◆ MMIW

944 views 1 copies Published Oct 06, 2025

Case Details
Case Number:

CASE-20250926-024627

Location:

Missoula , MT

Description:

Jermain Charlo, a 23-year-old Indigenous woman from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, vanished in the early hours of June 16, 2018, after leaving The Badlander bar in Missoula, Montana. She was last seen with her ex-boyfriend, Michael DeFrance, who later admitted to discarding her phone in Idaho. DeFrance had a history of domestic violence, including a 2013 conviction for assaulting Charlo. In 2023, he was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for illegal firearm possession but was not named a suspect in Charlo's disappearance. Despite extensive searches and media coverage, Charlo remains missing, and the case highlights concerns about the systemic issues facing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Victim Information
Photo of Jermain Charlo
Jermain Charlo

Age: 23 years old

Name:

Jermain Charlo

Age:

23 years old

Description:

Gender: F. Height: 5'9". Weight: 130. Hair: Brown. Eyes: Brown. Marks: A flower tattoo on her chest.
A deer tattoo on her left shoulder blade.
She has pierced ears.

Timeline (11)
Apr 13, 2013
Michael DeFrance is arrested for abuse against Jermain

Jermain Charlo and Michael DeFrance have an argument at the home they share. Jermain tells police DeFrance held her down across the hood of a van, hit her four times in the face and head, threw her on the ground, and spat on her. When he is subsequently arrested and convicted for partner or family member abuse (PFMA), this is DeFrance's second domestic violence conviction. His first conviction is sealed and occurred prior to 2013. With each conviction, the consequences become harsher, and this time he is ordered to pay a fine, spend a day in jail, forfeit firearms for a year, and complete 40 hours of a domestic violence treatment program.

Contributed by root
Jun 05, 2016
DeFrance arrested for assault on Jermain's aunt

Jermain and DeFrance have an argument at Jermain's aunt's house. When the aunt intervenes, DeFrance grabs her, throws her to the ground, and lands on top of her. Though he is arrested, it is later unclear if he is ever charged or convicted in the matter.

Contributed by root
Jun 15, 2018
Evidence Collected: Last seen alive

Jermain Charlo was at/near downtown Missoula bars (including The Badlander). Security footage shows her socializing outside The Badlander.

Contributed by root
Jun 16, 2018 Stockman's Bar, Missoula MT
Last seen at Stockman's Bar in Missoula

Jermain was last seen at Stockman's Bar in downtown Missoula around 1:00 AM on June 16, 2018. Security footage confirmed her presence.

Contributed by root
Jun 16, 2018 Evaro, MT (Flathead Reservation)
Cell phone last pinged near Evaro

Jermain's cell phone last pinged a tower near Evaro, Montana on the Flathead Reservation, approximately 25 miles north of Missoula.

Contributed by root
Jun 16, 2018
Charlo’s cellphone activity

Charlo’s cellphone activity — investigators later obtained call/data records showing her phone “pinged” a tower in the Evaro Hill area for several hours. Law-enforcement reporting gives the window about 2:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on June 16.

Contributed by root
Jun 18, 2018
Michael DeFrance first statement after disappearance

Michael DeFrance (the man seen with Charlo on video and reported to be her ex) initially told police different versions of what happened that night — first saying he dropped her off in Missoula with her phone, later saying he had her phone and then admitting he discarded it. DeFrance later told investigators he disposed of the phone in Idaho

Contributed by root
Jun 03, 2026
Detailed Timeline of June 15-16, 2018

Reconstruct the events leading up to Jermain Charlo's disappearance, including her movements and interactions from the evening of June 15 until the early hours of June 16, when she was last seen.

Contributed by root
Jun 03, 2026
Michael DeFrance's Activities Post-Disappearance

Document Michael DeFrance's movements and actions from the morning of June 16, 2018, onwards, including any travel, communication, and interactions.

Contributed by root
Jun 03, 2026
Interview with Bar Staff and Patrons

Conduct interviews with staff and patrons of The Badlander and other bars visited by Jermain Charlo the night of her disappearance.

Contributed by root
Jun 03, 2026
Search and Recovery Efforts in Idaho

Document the search and recovery efforts conducted in Idaho, particularly in areas where Michael DeFrance admitted discarding Jermain's phone.

Contributed by root
Community Evidence (2)
The panel reversed Michael Blake DeFrance’s conviction
Evidence

The panel reversed Michael Blake DeFrance’s conviction for violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), which forbids the possession of firearms by anyone convicted of a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” Type: document. Status: collected.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Last seen alive
Evidence

Jermain Charlo was at/near downtown Missoula bars (including The Badlander). Security footage shows her socializing outside The Badlander. Type: digital. Status: collected.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Suspect Information (1)
Suspect: Michael DeFrance
Michael DeFrance

Status: person_of_interest Motive: Ex of victim, just found out she had a new boyfriend Relationship: Ex

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Investigative Notes (10)
Native American / Indigenous tribes

Jermain is enrolled with Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Re-interview Michael DeFrance

Conduct a comprehensive re-interview of Michael DeFrance focusing on inconsistencies in his statements and his actions post-disappearance. Pay particular attention to his disposal of Charlo's phone in Idaho and any other movements he made that night. AI Reasoning: Michael DeFrance is the last known person to be with Jermain Charlo and has a history of violence against her. His actions, such as disposing of her phone, are suspicious and require further clarification.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Analyze Idaho Phone Disposal Site

Conduct a detailed search and forensic analysis at the location in Idaho where Michael DeFrance claimed to have discarded Jermain Charlo's phone. Use advanced techniques to possibly locate the phone or any other related evidence. AI Reasoning: Locating the phone could provide critical evidence about Charlo's last movements and communications, potentially offering new leads.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Expand Search Efforts

Coordinate with local law enforcement in Idaho and surrounding areas to expand search efforts based on cell phone tower data and last known locations. Utilize cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar if necessary. AI Reasoning: Comprehensive search efforts may uncover new evidence or remains, providing closure and additional leads.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Investigate Michael DeFrance's Network

Investigate DeFrance's acquaintances and known associates around the time of the disappearance to determine if anyone assisted him or has information about Charlo’s disappearance. AI Reasoning: Associates may have been involved or have knowledge of the events leading to Charlo's disappearance that were not previously disclosed.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Review and Enhance Surveillance Footage

Enhance and thoroughly review all available surveillance footage from the downtown Missoula area on the night of June 15-16, 2018, to identify any other potential witnesses or suspicious activities. AI Reasoning: Additional analysis of surveillance footage could reveal overlooked details about Charlo's last known whereabouts or interactions with others.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Detailed Timeline Reconstruction

Ensure a comprehensive timeline is created from June 15-16, 2018, including all known locations and interactions of Jermain Charlo, particularly focusing on her departure from The Badlander and subsequent sightings. AI Reasoning: A detailed timeline may uncover inconsistencies or new leads by identifying gaps in known movements or potential witnesses.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
In-depth Analysis of Phone Disposal Site

Conduct a thorough investigation of the location in Idaho where Michael DeFrance disposed of Jermain Charlo's phone, focusing on finding physical evidence or witnesses who might have seen suspicious activity. AI Reasoning: Understanding why DeFrance chose this location could provide insights into his involvement and potentially uncover new evidence.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Surveillance Footage Enhancement and Analysis

Enhance and re-analyze surveillance footage from The Badlander and surrounding areas for any additional insights into Charlo's interactions or movements, possibly uncovering overlooked evidence or witnesses. AI Reasoning: Advanced analysis of available footage might reveal critical details about the night of the disappearance that were initially missed.

Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
FBI involvement confirmed

The FBI confirmed they are assisting the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in the investigation. The case is being treated as suspicious.

Contributed by root · Jun 10, 2026
Media Coverage & Sources (12)
MT - Jermain 'Liz' Morigeu (Charlo), 23, Missoula, 15 Jun 2018 websleuths
https://websleuths.com/threads/mt-jermain-liz-morigeu-charl…
website
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Jermain Charlo uncovered
https://uncovered.com/cases/jermain-charlo
website
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Jermain Charlo NAMUS page
https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/case/MP51201
website
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
MISSING MONDAY: MMIW Jermain Charlo
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/crimeaholics-1097526/epi…
podcast
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Episode 21 Missing: Serenity Dennard and Jermain Charlo
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/gone-podcast-1119005/epi…
podcast
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Local woman goes missing in Missoula
https://www.valleyjournal.net/Article/19990/Local-woman-goe…
website
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Missoula man sentenced to prison for firearms crimes
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/missoula-man-sentenced-p…
website
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
What Surveillance Showed Before Jermain Charlo Vanished
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP1rZ8n81Lg
documentary
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Dateline NBC Feature - "Where Is Jermain?"

NBC's Dateline aired a full episode investigating Jermain Charlo's disappearance, featuring interviews with family and investigators.

https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline
NBC Dateline Investigative Report
Contributed by root · Jun 10, 2026
Location Information (4)
Milepost 148.8 Road

DeFrance told investigators he later discarded Charlo’s phone at mile marker 94 on Highway 12 in Idaho. Law enforcement searched that area but the phone was not recovered. (Reporting cites DeFrance’s statements and subsequent searches.) Address: Milepost 148.8 Road, Idaho County, Idaho, United States

Milepost 148.8 Road, Idaho County, Idaho, United States Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Evaro

Last cell phone ping Address: Evaro, Missoula County, Montana, United States

Evaro, Missoula County, Montana, United States Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
208

Last seen alive Address: 208, Ryman Street, Heart of Missoula, Missoula, Missoula County, Montana, 59802, United States

208, Ryman Street, Heart of Missoula, Missoula, Missoula County, Montana, 59802, United States Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026
Search area expanded to Flathead Reservation

Search efforts expanded to include areas along Highway 93 between Missoula and Evaro. Volunteer search teams have covered over 200 square miles of terrain.

Highway 93 corridor, Missoula to Evaro MT Contributed by root · Jun 10, 2026
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Submission Info
Submitted by:

Submitted:

Oct 06, 2025 2:12 AM

Published:

Oct 06, 2025 2:12 AM

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