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The investigation into Montana mom Jermain Charlo’s disappearance

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When Jermain Charlo‘s cellphone went silent in June 2018, her family suspected something was wrong. “She was very active on social media … she posted about everything,” Valenda Morigeau, Charlo’s aunt, told “48 Hours.” “So for her to not be active on social media, then I knew something was not right.” When Charlo didn’t respond to calls or texts, Morigeau, sick with worry, reported her missing to the Missoula Police Department. Six years later, Charlo still has not been found.

Jermain Charlo
Jermain Charlo

Valenda Morigeau


During that time, the Missoula Police Department and other agencies have been hard at work. What have investigators discovered about what may have happened to Charlo? And will she ever be found?

The story begins on the night Charlo was last seen.

June 15, 2018: Last night out at The Badlander bar

Jermain Charlo security camera video
Security footage shows Jermain Charlo, second from left, in the alley outside The Badlander on June 15, 2018. 

Missoula Police Department


On the night she disappeared, Jermain Charlo was at The Badlander bar in Missoula, Montana, around midnight. She’s captured in the alley behind the bar on security camera footage excerpt, shared exclusively with “48 Hours.” Charlo, second from left, is highlighted.

Detectives spoke to multiple people who were in the alley, including the man standing behind Charlo. He’s Michael DeFrance, Charlo’s ex-boyfriend and the father of her two children. Charlo and DeFrance had plans together that night, though it’s not clear why they met up or what they discussed.

June 15, 2018, just before midnight: Disappearing into the night

Jermain Charlo security camera video
Jermain Charlo and Michael DeFrance, highlighted, seen leaving The Badlander bar just before midnight on June 15, 2018.

Missoula Poilce Department


Just before midnight on June 15,  Charlo and DeFrance walked away in the alley behind The Badlander bar, as seen  in this screenshot from security footage.

Where did they go next? When investigators asked Michael DeFrance that question, he told them the same thing he told Charlo’s family when they asked: that he and Charlo had gotten into his truck and then he’d dropped her off at the Orange Street Food Farm, a supermarket about a five-minute drive from The Badlander.

In a subsequent police interview, however, DeFrance amended his story. He said that in fact he’d dropped Charlo off not at the Orange Street Food Farm itself, but in a residential area eight blocks west of the store. He said he dropped her off there because Charlo told him she was staying with a friend named “Cassidy” who lived nearby.

Detectives found the change in DeFrance’s stories interesting. They also were unable to find anyone in Charlo’s life named “Cassidy.” It turned out that Charlo didn’t really intend to stay at a friend’s place  that night, but at the apartment of her then-boyfriend Jacob, who lived in the area. Jacob was out of town but had told Charlo she could stay at his place.

Jermain’s family suspects that she did not want to tell DeFrance about her relationship with Jacob and may have lied to him about “Cassidy.” 

June 16, 2018, just before 1 a.m.: Jacob tries to call Jermain Charlo

Jermain Charlo
Jermain Charlo

Valenda Morigeau


Shortly before 1 a.m. that night, Charlo’s boyfriend Jacob attempted to call her cell. She never picked up the phone — instead, it rang several times before going to voicemail. Jacob told police he suspected that somebody purposely ended the call.

Though detectives never considered Jacob a suspect — he was out of the state that night — they did talk to him further to see what else he might know. He told them that the day before Charlo disappeared, she told him “that Michael had been yelling at her, asking if she was dating anyone and wanted to get back together with her.”

DeFrance has also never been named a suspect in Charlo’s disappearance.

June 17, 2018: Jermain Charlo reported missing

Jermain Charlo's aunt Valenda Morigeau
Valenda Morigeau, Jermain Charlo’s aunt.

CBS News


On June 17, 2018, Charlo’s mother reported her missing to the Tribal Police Department on the Flathead Reservation, but because Jermain went missing in Missoula, it would have to be reported to the Missoula Police Department.

Family called Missoula police but learned that the report had to be made at the station in person, not over the phone. So on June 20, 2018, Valenda Morigeau, Charlo’s aunt, made the drive to Missoula and spoke with an officer to file an official report.

Late June 2018: The community searches

Jermain Charlo search volunteers
One of many searches for Jermain Charlo.

KPAX


After Charlo disappeared, her family took matters into their own hands and contacted local organization The Lifeguard Group for help. Volunteers came out in support to search for Charlo. This was just the first of many searches the community would hold over the months and years to come.

“We’ve told the family that we’re not going to stop no matter what. And we will search for Jermain as if she’s alive, until we find her,” said Lowell Hochhalter, president and co-founder of The Lifeguard Group.

June 26, 2018: The lead detective 

Detective Guy Baker
Detective Guy Baker of the Missoula Police Department.

CBS News


The Missoula Police Department’s investigation began the day Morigeau reported her niece missing. However, the first detective assigned only worked the case briefly before he had scheduled time off. It wasn’t until June 26, 10 days after Charlo disappeared, that Det. Guy Baker was assigned to the case. He would doggedly lead the investigation for the next six years, determined to find Charlo.

“I’m very much committed to finding her,” Baker told “48 Hours.” “I wanna bring justice to Jermain and hold accountable who’s responsible.”

June 27, 2018: The cellphone data

The Evaro Hill cell tower
The Evaro Hill cell tower.

CBS News


On June 27, 2018, detectives obtained data linked to Charlo’s cellphone. The data indicated that between the hours of 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. in the early morning hours of June 16, 2018, after she disappeared, Charlo’s cell was pinging off a cell tower in the area known as Evaro Hill.

Evaro Hill is a rugged, heavily forested area north of Missoula, and it’s where DeFrance, Charlo’s ex-boyfriend, was living at the time. DeFrance told investigators that he’d dropped Charlo off in Missoula around 1 a.m. So, why was her phone pinging north of the city hours later? DeFrance changed his story and told investigators that Charlo’s phone was with him.

Missoula County Deputy Attorney Brittany Williams told “48 Hours,” “In a subsequent interview, [DeFrance] provided a statement that she left her cellphone and he attempted to go through her cellphone and he was unable to get into her cellphone.”

Then DeFrance told authorities that two days later on June 18 — while Charlo’s family was desperately calling law enforcement for help — he discarded Charlo’s phone in Idaho at mile marker 94 on Highway 12. Law enforcement searched the area but never found the phone.

“The phone’s never been recovered,” confirms Baker. Charlo’s family wonders why DeFrance would throw Jermain’s phone away. Baker declined to comment on a possible motive for disposing of the phone. “48 Hours” requested an interview with DeFrance through his attorney. He declined our request. 

June 27, 2018: Michael DeFrance’s mother speaks to police

On the same day that the cellphone data was obtained, officers from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office went to DeFrance’s property and spoke with his mother Jennifer DeFrance. According to police documents, Jennifer DeFrance told an officer that Charlo had never been to the residence. She also reported that “Michael was still in love with Jermain and wanted to get back together with her.”

Summer 2018: “Swept away in an instant”

Interstate 90 running through Montana
Interstate 90 running through Montana.

CBS News


Over the remainder of the summer, detectives investigated the idea that Charlo may have been a victim of human trafficking.

“We had some information early on that there might have been some people in Missoula from out of state that were trying to buy a girl,”  Baker told “48 Hours.” “And I was thinking there was a connection there.”

Williams described the trafficking situation in the state. “I think people have an idea that Montana is rural and undeveloped, and we don’t have major crimes that occur here,” she said. “But the fact of the matter is, we have one of the largest interstates that runs through our state right here through Missoula, Montana … there are people who can be swept away in an instant.”

Eventually, investigators were able to rule out the idea that Charlo was a victim of human trafficking. Williams told “48 Hours” in 2024, “I think that we have enough evidence through this investigation that lends itself to believe something else has happened to her.”

August 2, 2018: A warrant for Michael DeFrance’s property

An officer with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Department filed a search warrant application on August 2, 2018, that stated the officer had reason to believe that a crime had been committed in Missoula.

The application asked a judge to approve a search of DeFrance’s property on Evaro Hill. The officer hoped to “visually observe and simultaneously video record by ground or air, at any time of the day or night, the outside of the premises including all grounds.” It also asked for thermal imaging of the property.

Documents show that the search warrant application was approved by a judge, but officers declined to comment on the results of any of their searches of the DeFrance property. They do confirm that Charlo has not been found, and Michael DeFrance has never been named a suspect or charged with anything in relation to her disappearance.

Oct. 2, 2018: Firearms seized

ns seized from Michael DeFrance's property.
Guns seized from Michael DeFrance’s property.

District Court of Montana


In October 2018, police conducted another search of DeFrance’s Evaro Hill property. At this point, Charlo had been missing for more than three months.

On the property officers found and seized guns including the ones pictured. DeFrance had a prior conviction that prohibited him from owning firearms. In May 2013, DeFrance had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of Partner or Family Member Assault against Charlo, his then-girlfriend. When DeFrance was sentenced for this incident, part of his sentence was a loss of his firearm rights.

According to a 2013 police report, DeFrance admitted to hitting Charlo with an open hand, then twice more with his fist. Charlo reported that DeFrance had shoved her onto the hood of his van, punched her in the ear, the temple, and the cheekbone, and then spit in her face and told her she was horrible.

In October 2018 Baker asked DeFrance if he was aware he wasn’t supposed to have firearms because of his previous conviction. According to court documents, DeFrance replied, “I was never clear on that.”

2019-2021: The trail goes cold

Jermain Charlo billboard
On Highway 93, en route to Missoula, it’s hard to miss this billboard and Jermain Charlo’s haunting gaze. 

CBS News


In October 2018, Charlo’s family and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes put her information on a billboard. They hoped that someone would drive by and recognize Jermain. For six years, her gaze has haunted drivers as they travel down that road.

Baker wouldn’t tell “48 Hours” much about his investigation, as it is ongoing and many of the documents are sealed. But he insists the case never truly went cold. He has been consistently searching for Charlo over the years, and the investigation has never stopped. He is committed to finding Jermain.

“I guess when I see that billboard, I’m frustrated,” he said. “I’ve never worked a case like this before. We’ve tried to uncover and turn over every rock possible.”

July 28, 2021: Michael DeFrance arrested on firearms possession charges

In July 2021, Michael DeFrance was arrested for possession of the firearms police had confiscated in 2018. The case was investigated by the FBI. In October 2021, an indictment charged DeFrance with one count of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition, and three counts of false statement during a firearms transaction. 

April 26, 2023: Michael DeFrance goes on trial for firearms violations

DeFrance was found guilty of all four counts of firearms-related violations after his two-day trial in federal court. Charlo’s mother and her aunt Valenda Morigeau both testified to the nature of Charlo and DeFrance’s relationship around the time of the 2013 partner or family member assault conviction, and Baker spoke about finding the guns at DeFrance’s residence.

DeFrance was sentenced in September 2023 to 21 months in prison and was given a lifetime ban on firearms and ammunition. On the same day, DeFrance filed an appeal. He has not served any time pending that appeal.

Today: hoping for justice

Valenda Morigeau
Jermain’s aunt Valenda Morigeau standing for justice.

Jen Murphy


Jermain Charlo’s family still hopes that one day she might be found, though they no longer believe she is alive. For Charlo’s aunt Dani Matt, justice for Charlo means “bringing her home, and letting her rest with our family up on the hill.”

“I will never stop looking for her,” said Morigeau. “I’ve met so many families that have had a loved one disappear. And I want other families to know that, like, it’s OK to keep pushing and it’s OK to keep their name out there. We have to fight for justice for our loved ones.” 



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How to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more

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Quarterback Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Getty Images


The New England Patriots will face off against the Miami Dolphins in a game today at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Patriots have had an uneven season so far, coming into the game with a record of 3-8, including a 28-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on November 17. The Dolphins, however, haven’t fared much better this season as they enter the game with a record of 4-6, although they are coming off two wins in a row, the latest against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend.

Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game today, even without cable. 

CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.


How and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game today

The New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The football game will be shown on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ and the platforms noted below.


How and when to watch the New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins game without cable

While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you’ll have other viewing options, too for the Patriots-Dolphins game. Just understand that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:

Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable

With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.

Get started with Paramount+ here today.

Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription

Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.

Watch the Patriots-Dolphins game on Amazon Prime Video.

Fubo: Watch the Patriots-Dolphins game for free

Looking for an inexpensive way to watch football? Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.

Get started with Fubo online now.



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How to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants NFL game today: Livestream options, more

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Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images


MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is set to host a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants today. Both teams have lost more games than they’ve won so far this season. The Buccaneers enter the game looking to end a four-game losing streak. Overall, they’re just 4-6 while the Giants are 2-8, having lost five consecutive games. 

Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants game today, even without cable. 

CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.


How and when to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants game today

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The NFL game will be televised on CBS. It can also be streamed on Paramount+ and the platforms noted below.


How and when to watch the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants game without cable

While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you’ll have other viewing options, too for the big game. Just note that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:

Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable

With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.

Get started with Paramount+ here today.

Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription

Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Then you can simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.

Watch the Buccaneers-Giants game on Amazon Prime Video.

Fubo: Watch the Buccaneers-Giants game for free

Looking for an inexpensive way to watch football? Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.

Get started with Fubo online now.



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How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers NFL game today: Livestream options, more

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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.

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It will be the Kansas City Chiefs up against the Carolina Panthers in an NFL game today set for the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Attention will be focused on the Chiefs, who are coming off their first loss this season, a 30-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills on November 17. That loss snapped a nine-game winning streak. The Panthers, meanwhile, are just 3-7 so far in the season but are coming off of wins against the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, respectively. 

Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers game today, even without cable. 

CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.


How and when to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers game today

The Kansas City Chiefs-Carolina Panthers game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The NFL game will be televised on CBS. It can also be watched via streaming on Paramount+ and the platforms noted below.


How and when to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers game without cable

While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you’ll have other viewing options to explore as well (just note that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider).

Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable

With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to explore. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.

Get started with Paramount+ here today.

Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription

Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Then you can simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.

Watch the Buccaneers-Giants game on Amazon Prime Video.

Fubo: Watch the Chiefs-Panthers game for free

Looking for an inexpensive way to watch football? Fubo could be your best bet. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.

Get started with Fubo online now.



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