Jermain Charlo’s disappearance in June 2018 has left her family and investigators with many unanswered questions. When Charlo’s aunt, Valenda Morigeau, noticed her sudden absence on social media, she knew something was wrong. Despite years of searching, Charlo has yet to be found.
The night Jermain Charlo was last seen, security footage captured her with her ex-boyfriend, Michael DeFrance, outside The Badlander bar. DeFrance initially told investigators that he dropped Charlo off at a supermarket, but later changed his story, claiming he left her in a residential area. Detectives found discrepancies in DeFrance’s account, including the lack of a friend named “Cassidy” that Charlo allegedly planned to stay with.
In the days following Charlo’s disappearance, her boyfriend Jacob attempted to call her, but the call went unanswered. Detectives looked into DeFrance’s background, revealing a prior conviction for assaulting Charlo in 2013 and illegally owning firearms seized during a search of his property in 2018. Despite these findings, DeFrance has not been named a suspect in Charlo’s disappearance.
As the investigation continued, the Missoula Police Department obtained cellphone data indicating that Charlo’s phone was pinging off a tower north of the city after she disappeared. DeFrance claimed he had possession of the phone but later admitted to discarding it in Idaho. Authorities searched the area but the phone was never recovered.
Over the years, Charlo’s family and community have organized numerous searches and put up billboards in the hopes of finding her. Detective Guy Baker, who has been leading the investigation, remains dedicated to uncovering the truth. In 2021, DeFrance was arrested on firearms charges and later found guilty, receiving a prison sentence and lifetime ban on owning firearms.
Today, Charlo’s family continues to seek justice and closure. While they no longer believe she is alive, they are determined to bring her home and ensure she rests with their family. Morigeau emphasizes the importance of keeping Charlo’s name alive and fighting for justice for all missing persons. The investigation into Jermain Charlo’s disappearance remains ongoing, with her loved ones holding onto hope that one day, the truth will be revealed.
