NILES, Michigan — Authorities in Southwest Michigan have recovered a submerged vehicle from the St. Joseph River containing two deceased women as investigators continue working to determine whether they are two South Bend mothers who had been reported missing.
Niles Police confirmed Tuesday, September 15, 2026, that two women were found inside a submerged vehicle in the river. Police said the clothing worn by the women matched descriptions of Vanessa Bautista and Alexa Navarro, who had been reported missing from the South Bend area.
Vehicle Found Submerged in River
The vehicle was located in the St. Joseph River in Niles during the search for the two missing women. Investigators recovered the vehicle and transported it from the area as authorities continued their investigation.
According to WSBT 22, police had not yet formally confirmed the identities of the two women at the time of its latest report. Their families had been notified of the discovery.
WNDU also reported that the women were believed to be the missing South Bend mothers based on the clothing found with them.
Investigation Continues
Niles Police are handling the investigation into the discovery. Authorities have not publicly explained what led investigators to the submerged vehicle or released a confirmed cause or manner of death.
Investigators are expected to work to formally identify the two women and determine the circumstances surrounding how the vehicle entered the river.
No suspect or criminal motive has been publicly identified in the reports reviewed.
Missing Mothers
Vanessa Bautista and Alexa Navarro had been the subject of a search after they were reported missing. Their disappearance prompted concern among relatives, friends and members of the South Bend community.
The discovery of the submerged vehicle represents a significant development in the investigation, although formal identification remained pending in the latest police information.
Additional details are expected as investigators complete the recovery and identification process.