Jermain Charlo
944 views 1 copies Published Oct 06, 2025
Case Details
CASE-20250926-024627
Missoula , MT
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
Jermain Charlo
Age: 23 years old
Jermain Charlo
23 years old
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)
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 rootDeFrance 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 rootEvidence 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 rootLast 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 rootCell 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 rootCharlo’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 rootMichael 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 rootDetailed 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 rootMichael 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 rootInterview 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 rootSearch 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 rootCommunity Evidence (2)
The panel reversed Michael Blake DeFrance’s conviction
EvidenceThe 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, 2026Last seen alive
EvidenceJermain 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, 2026Suspect Information (1)
Suspect: Michael DeFrance
Michael DeFranceStatus: person_of_interest Motive: Ex of victim, just found out she had a new boyfriend Relationship: Ex
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026Investigative Notes (10)
Native American / Indigenous tribes
Jermain is enrolled with Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation
Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026Re-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, 2026Analyze 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, 2026Expand 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, 2026Investigate 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, 2026Review 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, 2026Detailed 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, 2026In-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, 2026Surveillance 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, 2026FBI 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, 2026Media Coverage & Sources (12)
MT - Jermain 'Liz' Morigeu (Charlo), 23, Missoula, 15 Jun 2018 websleuths
https://websleuths.com/threads/mt-jermain-liz-morigeu-charl…MISSING MONDAY: MMIW Jermain Charlo
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/crimeaholics-1097526/epi…Episode 21 Missing: Serenity Dennard and Jermain Charlo
https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/gone-podcast-1119005/epi…Charlo may have been trafficked
https://newstalkkgvo.com/police-fear-missing-woman-may-be-h…Local woman goes missing in Missoula
https://www.valleyjournal.net/Article/19990/Local-woman-goe…Missoula man sentenced to prison for firearms crimes
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/missoula-man-sentenced-p…What Surveillance Showed Before Jermain Charlo Vanished
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP1rZ8n81LgDateline 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/datelineLocation 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, 2026Evaro
Last cell phone ping Address: Evaro, Missoula County, Montana, United States
Evaro, Missoula County, Montana, United States Contributed by root · Jun 13, 2026208
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, 2026Search 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, 2026Suggest an Update or Edit
Discussion (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Case Statistics
Submission Info
Oct 06, 2025 2:12 AM
Oct 06, 2025 2:12 AM
Related Cases
No related cases found. This feature will suggest similar cases based on location, type, and tags.