MISSOULA, MT – A haunting mystery continues to grip the heart of Montana as the search for Germaine Charlo, a young mother who vanished without a trace in 2018, remains unsolved. Recently, investigators released surveillance footage, hoping it might shed new light on the case that has puzzled authorities for over six years.
In June 2018, Charlo’s family began to worry when they couldn’t reach her, an unusual occurrence for the 23-year-old who was always connected to her phone. The last known images of her, captured on a surveillance camera, show Charlo outside the Bath Lander Bar in downtown Missoula on June 15, 2018. Next to her in the footage is Michael Defrance, her ex-partner and the father of her two children.
Authorities believe Defrance was the last person to see Charlo. According to Detective Guy Baker, Defrance claimed he dropped Charlo off at a local market around 1 a.m., saying she intended to stay with a friend nearby. However, Charlo’s phone remained active for several hours that night, pinging from locations miles away on Evaro Hill, where Defrance resided.
Defrance told investigators that Charlo left her phone in his car and that he later discarded it. Despite extensive searches in the area, no trace of Charlo has been found. While Defrance has not been named a suspect, the case highlights a broader issue affecting Indigenous communities.
Charlo’s disappearance is part of a troubling pattern involving missing and murdered Indigenous women across the United States. Activist JY Murphy emphasizes the significance of raising awareness through public campaigns, such as the red hand symbol seen at various events, which calls attention to the plight of Indigenous communities.
The release of the video and a billboard campaign aim to generate new leads, urging anyone with information to come forward. “We know you’re there. Be brave,” is the plea from those desperate for answers.
The delay in releasing the footage, now six years later, raises questions, but authorities believe it could be pivotal in cracking the case. They hope that national exposure might encourage someone with crucial information to step forward.
The red hand has become a powerful emblem in the fight for justice, symbolizing the voicelessness of Native and Indigenous people. In Montana, they make up just 6% of the population but account for a disproportionate 24% of active missing persons cases.
As the investigation continues, the community and Charlo’s family remain hopeful that this renewed attention will finally bring closure to a case that has been shrouded in mystery for too long.