NILES, Mich. -- The Niles Police Department has released its findings in its investigation into the deaths of two South Bend women.

Vanessa Bautista and Alexandra Navarro-Torres were found dead inside a Jeep submerged in the St. Joseph River on September 15, 2026.

According to investigators, Niles police were told by the South Bend Police Department on September 13 that the two had been reported missing. Initial information indicated the two may have last been seen in the Niles area. Cellphone data reportedly narrowed the search, including areas along the river.

Divers found the Jeep on September 15 submerged in the river near the end of South Lincoln Avenue and Laurel Drive. Bautista and Navarro-Torres's bodies were found inside. An autopsy determined the cause of death was accidental drowning.

Toxicology testing indicated that Navarro-Torres had a BAC of 0.179; Bautista had a BAC of 0.200.

Information obtained by the South Bend Police Department shows that, on the evening of September 12, the two, along with two other friends, took a rideshare to The Arena Nightclub in Elkhart. The four reportedly got a ride back to South Bend from another friend who was at the club. Once back, Bautista and Navarro-Torres reportedly drove off to get something to eat.

Investigators say the two traveled into Niles, past the home of Navarro-Torres's boyfriend. Investigators also believed they drove to a closed Taco Bell, returned to the area of the boyfriend's home, and then began a trip back toward South Bend. Investigators say the boyfriend was in South Bend at the time, not his home in Niles. 

According to NPD, initial evidence shows the Jeep traveled westbound on Broadway Street before turning south onto Lincoln Avenue. While making the turn, the Jeep reportedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road. Rather than following the curve that would have directed them onto Chicago Road toward US-12, the Jeep reportedly continued south. Investigators say the vehicle drove through the French Street stop sign without stopping and traveled faster than the 25-mph speed limit.

The Jeep reportedly left the road near Laurel Drive, traveled over an embankment, hit several trees, and entered the river. According to the car's internal data, the Jeep was traveling at about 47-mph when it went over the embankment. The data also indicated brakes were not applied before the Jeep left the road.

Investigators believe both women wore seatbelts. Both were found unfastened when the vehicle was recovered, indicating the two attempted to escape.

Officials say it does not appear the two were being followed, chased, or otherwise forced off the road by another person or vehicle.