Jermain Austin Charlo: Missing Since June 16, 2018
Jermain Austin Charlo, a Native American woman from Montana, disappeared on June 16, 2018, in Missoula. She was 23 at the time, a mother of two, and a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Her case remains unsolved, reflecting larger issues surrounding missing Indigenous women in the United States.
Jermain Austin Charlo: The Final Hours
On June 15, 2018, Jermain spent the evening with friends in Missoula. Surveillance footage captured her outside The Badlander bar, accompanied by Michael DeFrance, her ex-boyfriend and father of her children. Witnesses reported seeing Jermain leave with DeFrance. He later claimed he dropped her off near a food market at 1 a.m., where she intended to meet a friend.
Investigators could not verify this claim. No one by the given friend’s name has come forward. Phone data placed Jermain’s phone in the Evaro Hill area between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m., but she was never found there.
Investigation Challenges
Jermain’s family reported her missing soon after her disappearance. However, they believe the response lacked urgency. Law enforcement has not named DeFrance a suspect but continues to regard him as a person of interest.
Phone records from that night raised questions. A call to Jermain’s phone rang several times before going to voicemail, suggesting someone silenced it. DeFrance also admitted to discarding Jermain’s phone, raising further suspicion.
Broader Context of Missing Indigenous Women
Jermain’s case is part of a broader crisis involving missing and murdered Indigenous women. In Montana, Native Americans represent 25% of missing persons but make up only 7% of the population. Advocates highlight systemic inequities in how law enforcement handles these cases.
Jermain’s family and local groups have organized searches and vigils to raise awareness. The Lifeguard Group, a nonprofit, has actively supported efforts to locate her.
Public Awareness and Media Coverage
Media coverage of Jermain’s disappearance, including a feature on CBS’s 48 Hours, has brought attention to the case. New evidence from the night she disappeared has emerged, but no arrests have been made. Jermain’s family continues to push for justice and accountability.
How to Help
Jermain’s disappearance remains an open investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Guy Baker at 406-552-6284. Supporting organizations that advocate for missing Indigenous women can also make a difference.
Conclusion
Jermain Charlo’s disappearance remains a heartbreaking mystery. Her case highlights the urgent need to address systemic issues in missing Indigenous person investigations. Advocates, family members, and law enforcement remain hopeful for answers. Raising public awareness, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and improving investigative protocols can ensure cases like Jermain’s receive the attention they deserve.
Sources
- Newsweek – Jermain Charlo’s Case
- CBS News – 48 Hours Feature https://www.cbsnews.com
- Associated Press Coverage https://apnews.com
