Full Breakdown
Investigation into Gabriella Cartagena's Death
2/14/2026, 8:17:31 AM
Timeline of Events
Gabriella Cartagena, a 24-year-old woman from Marinette, Wisconsin, was reported missing on February 5, 2026, after a distressing phone call to her mother the previous day. During this call, she pleaded, “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.” Authorities believe she was last seen with her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote, at Red Arrow Park in Marinette. Following her disappearance, police discovered signs of blood at the park, prompting them to treat the area as a crime scene. On February 10, Cartagena's body was found in a wooded area near Birch Creek Road in Menominee County, Michigan.
Key Figures Involved
- Gabriella Cartagena: The victim, a mother of a three-year-old daughter, who had moved to Marinette from Milwaukee about a year prior.
- Robert Chilcote: Cartagena's boyfriend, 29, identified as a person of interest in her disappearance. He was arrested in Minnesota on February 5 after leading police on a high-speed chase.
Investigation Details
The Marinette Police Department initiated an extensive search for Cartagena after her family reported her missing. They utilized surveillance footage and cell tower data to track Chilcote's movements, which led them to the location where Cartagena's body was ultimately found. Police Chief Jon LaCombe stated that they believe Cartagena was killed at Red Arrow Park and her body was later transported to Michigan.
Chilcote was apprehended after a 16-minute pursuit that reached speeds of over 100 mph. During the arrest, authorities found an AR-15 rifle in his vehicle. He is currently being held on charges of fleeing a peace officer and being a fugitive from justice, with a bond set at $100,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Marinette County District Attorney DeShea Morrow indicated that charges against Chilcote are pending the results of Cartagena's autopsy. She confirmed that the extradition process to bring Chilcote back to Wisconsin is underway. LaCombe emphasized the commitment to seeking justice and ensuring community safety.
Criticism & Opposition
While authorities have focused on Chilcote as the sole suspect, there has been no public disclosure of a motive for the alleged crime. The lack of prior domestic disturbance reports involving the couple has raised questions about the circumstances leading to Cartagena's death.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the timeline of events and the exact circumstances surrounding Cartagena's death. While police believe she was killed at Red Arrow Park, the investigation is ongoing, and no formal charges have yet been filed against Chilcote in connection with her death.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.” — Gabriella Cartagena, during her final phone call to her mother.
- “We remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring the safety of our community,” — Jon LaCombe, Marinette Police Chief.
What's Next
The investigation continues as authorities await the autopsy results to determine the cause of death and to finalize charges against Chilcote. A court appearance is scheduled for February 20, where further developments in the case may be revealed.
