“Where Is Jermain Charlo?”: 48 Hours Reports October 12 2024
by Ryan Gill · October 10, 2024

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, CBS’s “48 HOURS” will delve into the mysterious disappearance of Jermain Charlo, a young mother who went missing in Missoula, Montana, in June 2018. Titled “Where Is Jermain Charlo?”, the episode airs from 10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT and offers a fresh look into the unresolved case. Featuring never-before-seen images and exclusive interviews, the episode aims to highlight the urgency of finding Charlo and the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Michelle Miller, co-host of CBS SATURDAY MORNING, leads the report, covering the details of Charlo’s last known movements and the investigative efforts that followed. The episode underscores the vital role of public awareness in solving the case, as law enforcement continues to search for answers five years after Charlo’s disappearance.
Jermain Charlo’s Disappearance: The Night of June 15, 2018
Jermain Charlo, a 23-year-old member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, was last seen on June 15, 2018, at a downtown Missoula bar. Security camera footage captured her outside the Badlander bar, engaging in conversation with her ex-boyfriend, Michael DeFrance, the father of her two children. According to DeFrance, Charlo left her phone in his car before she vanished in the early hours of June 16, 2018. Her phone’s last location was traced to the Evaro Hill area, a wooded region north of Missoula, but the device was never recovered.
Despite extensive search efforts, including multiple ground searches and the use of drones, Charlo has not been found. The investigation has also been hampered by the challenging terrain of Evaro Hill, which is dense with trees and difficult to navigate. Missoula Police Department Detective Guy Baker, assigned to the case shortly after Charlo’s disappearance, has continued to emphasize the importance of public cooperation. His plea for anyone with information to come forward reflects the belief that the key to solving the case may lie with an individual who has yet to share what they know.
Investigative Focus and Challenges
The disappearance of Jermain Charlo has led to several theories, ranging from abduction and human trafficking to the involvement of someone she knew. However, none of these theories have been substantiated with sufficient evidence. While DeFrance has cooperated with law enforcement, he has not been named a suspect in Charlo’s disappearance. His statement that he dropped Charlo off near a Missoula neighborhood later that night remains one of the last known details of her movements.
Law enforcement has executed various search warrants, including one targeting DeFrance’s residence and digital records. These efforts aimed to piece together a timeline of the night Charlo vanished. Despite these efforts, Detective Baker acknowledges that the investigation has yet to uncover a crucial piece of evidence that could lead to a breakthrough. The case has remained active, with leads periodically emerging through public appeals and media exposure, including coverage from national outlets like “Stolen,” a podcast by journalist Connie Walker, and other true crime programs.
Michael DeFrance’s Legal Troubles and Their Implications
In a separate legal development, Michael DeFrance was convicted on gun charges unrelated to Charlo’s disappearance. He was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison in September 2023 for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. DeFrance’s 2013 conviction for assaulting Charlo disqualified him from owning firearms, a restriction he violated by acquiring guns through false statements.
While DeFrance’s conviction on these charges has brought some relief to Charlo’s family, it has not provided closure regarding her disappearance. Charlo’s aunt, Valenda Underwood, attended the sentencing, expressing mixed feelings about the outcome. Although DeFrance’s imprisonment represents a small victory, it falls short of delivering the answers Charlo’s family continues to seek. DeFrance’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the conviction, suggesting that his legal battles may continue.
Community Efforts and Calls for Justice
Jermain Charlo’s disappearance has drawn attention to the broader crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States. Advocacy groups, local volunteers, and Charlo’s family have worked tirelessly to keep her story alive. Billboard campaigns and community vigils serve as constant reminders of her unresolved case. The community’s efforts are aimed not only at finding Charlo but also at raising awareness of the systemic issues that contribute to the disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women.
Jen Murphy, an educator and photographer involved in the search efforts, emphasizes the importance of public solidarity in the quest for answers. Her appeal to potential witnesses to “come forward” and “be brave” underscores the hope that a crucial lead might eventually surface. Charlo’s case has become a symbol of the need for greater accountability and support in addressing the crisis of missing Indigenous women.
The Ongoing Search for Jermain Charlo: Hope and Frustration
Despite the passage of time, the search for Jermain Charlo has not waned. Detective Baker continues to work the case, describing it as a “needle in a haystack” challenge due to the vast search area around Evaro Hill. He remains committed to keeping Charlo’s story in the public eye, believing that continued exposure might eventually yield the critical information needed to resolve the case.
The lack of tangible progress has taken an emotional toll on Charlo’s family, who are left grappling with the uncertainty of her fate. Underwood describes the pain of passing by areas that could hold clues to Charlo’s disappearance, while holding out hope for a definitive answer. Charlo’s loved ones, especially her two young sons, are left to navigate life without the woman who was a devoted mother and a vibrant presence in their lives.
A Case That Demands Answers
As “48 HOURS” revisits the case of Jermain Charlo, it brings renewed focus to the unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance. The episode aims to provide a platform for Charlo’s family and advocates, giving voice to their determination to find justice. While the mystery remains unresolved, the continued spotlight offers a chance for the public to engage with the case and provide any information that could lead to the truth.
For Charlo’s family, the hope is that someone will come forward with the piece of information that brings clarity to the night of June 15, 2018. With law enforcement, community members, and the media keeping Charlo’s memory alive, the pursuit of justice continues. Anyone with information related to Jermain Charlo’s disappearance is encouraged to reach out to the Missoula Police Department, as the search for answers presses on.
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