A Vanishing in the Shadows
Jermain Charlo Missing—this haunting phrase has echoed through Montana since 2018.
In June 2018, 23-year-old Jermain Charlo, a vibrant Indigenous woman, vanished from the streets of Missoula, Montana. Since that day, her name has become a haunting symbol of the thousands of missing Indigenous women across America. Now, years later, with Michael DeFrance—the man last seen with her—facing a rare no-body homicide charge, the case has reemerged in the public eye thanks to CBS’s “48 Hours“ special: Where is Jermain Charlo?
This blog investigates the chilling circumstances of her disappearance, the forensic leads that shaped the case, and how public outcry is pushing the justice system to act—even without a body.
📍Who Was Jermain Charlo Before She Went Missing?
Jermain Charlo was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She was known for her fierce independence, big heart, and love for her family. Born and raised in Montana, Jermain had dreams of stability and motherhood but was struggling through a tumultuous relationship with Michael DeFrance, a man with a history of alleged violence and gun-related offenses.
Her cultural identity is key to understanding this case—not just as an individual story, but as part of the larger crisis of missing Indigenous women across North America.
🕵️♀️ Jermain Charlo Missing – What Happened That Night?
Last Seen: Downtown Missoula
On the night of June 15, 2018, Jermain was captured on surveillance footage leaving a downtown bar. She had plans to visit her grandmother but never made it. The last confirmed sighting placed her getting into a Ford Explorer, reportedly driven by Michael DeFrance.
The Cell Tower Ping: Evaro Hill
Investigators traced her phone’s last signal to a remote area known as Evaro Hill, located between Missoula and the Flathead Indian Reservation. This single cell tower ping became a pivotal clue, anchoring suspicions that foul play occurred.
🔐 Michael DeFrance & the No-Body Homicide in the Jermain Charlo Case
Michael DeFrance was Jermain’s on-again, off-again boyfriend. The two shared a volatile history. Though DeFrance had his gun conviction vacated on a technicality, he was still considered a person of interest.
In October 2023, a Missoula grand jury indicted DeFrance for the murder of Jermain Charlo, despite there being no physical remains. This decision reflects a growing trend in U.S. law enforcement to pursue no-body homicide cases when evidence is compelling enough.
🎥 Media Spotlight: CBS’s “48 Hours” Special
The case gained national traction through the CBS News investigative series “48 Hours” in their episode titled “Where is Jermain Charlo?” aired in June 2025.
The episode not only focused on the forensic details and chilling timeline, but also amplified the voice of Jermain’s family—especially her cousin and grandmother—who have fought tirelessly for justice.
⚖️ Legal Hurdles & Tribal Jurisdiction
One of the key barriers in prosecuting crimes involving Indigenous victims is the fragmented jurisdiction between tribal, state, and federal agencies. Jermain’s case underscores how these legal gray areas can delay justice—sometimes for years.
Her tribal affiliation added layers of complexity, and for many, it became a clear example of how the justice system often fails Native communities.
🔬 The Evidence Against DeFrance
1. Cell Data Evidence
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Her phone’s last location places her with DeFrance in a remote, wooded area.
2. Inconsistent Statements
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DeFrance reportedly changed his story multiple times during interrogations.
3. Witness Testimonies
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Several friends of Jermain testified about domestic abuse, threats, and a pattern of control.
These threads form the circumstantial web now being used to build the case against DeFrance—despite the absence of a body.
💔 Family’s Fight for Justice
From organizing vigils to speaking to lawmakers, Jermain’s family has never stopped pushing. Her grandmother told CBS News, “We don’t want this to be another name in a list. We want her to come home.”
Their dedication led to Jermain’s story being spotlighted in national campaigns such as MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women).
🔎 Why No-Body Homicide Cases Matter
No-body homicide cases challenge traditional views of justice. Prosecutors must convince a jury beyond reasonable doubt—without a body, murder weapon, or direct confession. The Charlo case could set new legal precedents, especially in Indigenous and rural communities where disappearances often go unresolved.
🌐 Social & Systemic Implications
The Jermain Charlo case is not just one tragic disappearance. It is part of a national epidemic, especially in states like Montana, where Indigenous women are disproportionately targeted and ignored.
This case has led to increased pressure for:
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Stronger inter-agency cooperation
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Better resources for tribal police
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National databases for missing persons
🧩 Timeline Recap
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2018 | Jermain last seen with DeFrance |
| June 16, 2018 | Phone last pinged at Evaro Hill |
| July 2018–2023 | Ongoing investigation |
| October 2023 | DeFrance indicted |
| June 2025 | CBS’s 48 Hours episode airs |
📌 Conclusion: Still Missing, Still Fighting
More than six years later, Jermain Charlo is still missing. But the indictment of Michael DeFrance shows that justice, even delayed, is not impossible. Her story continues to shine a spotlight on the crisis of missing Indigenous women, legal loopholes, and the families left in the dark.
Her name—Jermain Charlo—must not fade from memory.
“Jermain Charlo’s disappearance is more than a cold case—it’s a reflection of how justice is often delayed for Indigenous communities. Let’s keep her name alive. #JermainCharlo #MMIW #JusticeForJermain”