In a harrowing turn of events, the body of 24-year-old Gabriella Cartagena was discovered in a secluded forest in Menominee County, Michigan, just days after her desperate call to family members pleading for her life. With her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote, now in police custody, investigators are piecing together the grim circumstances surrounding her untimely death.
The Distress Call
Gabriella Cartagena was last seen on the evening of February 4 at her residence in Marinette, Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, at approximately 7:20 p.m., she made a chilling phone call to her mother that would haunt her family forever. In a frantic voice, she cried out, “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.” This distressing communication prompted her loved ones to report her missing the following day, igniting a frantic search for the young mother.
Authorities later confirmed that Cartagena was believed to have been with her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Chilcote, at Red Arrow Park in Wisconsin when she vanished. As the investigation unfolded, police identified Chilcote as a person of interest.
Evidence of Violence
Initial investigations at Red Arrow Park yielded concerning signs. Marinette Police Chief John LaCombe revealed that officers discovered potential bloodstains and other disturbances, leading them to classify the area as a crime scene from the outset. “While looking around the scene, we found some signs of possible blood and other disturbances in the area, which led us to believe that this was a scene we needed to focus on from the start,” LaCombe stated.
The search for Cartagena took a dramatic turn when authorities tracked Chilcote to Minnesota. On February 5, police attempted to apprehend him, leading to a high-speed chase that reached speeds of up to 100 mph. During the arrest, multiple firearms were recovered from his vehicle, although it remains uncertain whether these were linked to Cartagena’s disappearance.
The Search for Answers
Despite initial leads, it took police several more days to locate Cartagena’s body. Using surveillance footage and cell tower data to trace Chilcote’s movements, investigators focused their efforts on a wooded area near Birch Creek Road. Tragically, her body was discovered on February 9. Chief LaCombe expressed his belief that Cartagena was likely murdered at Red Arrow Park before being transported to the site where her remains were found.
Chilcote is currently being held in Minnesota on a $100,000 bond, facing charges of fleeing a peace officer and being a fugitive from justice. The Marinette County District Attorney’s office is now awaiting the results of Cartagena’s autopsy to determine the next steps for potential charges.
A Community in Mourning
Gabriella Cartagena, who relocated to Marinette from Milwaukee about a year ago, leaves behind a three-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. Her family is grappling with the shocking loss, with her brother launching a GoFundMe campaign to support the family during this tragic time. “We remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring the safety of our community,” Chief LaCombe commented, reflecting the community’s collective grief and shock.
Why it Matters
The tragic case of Gabriella Cartagena underscores the urgent need for awareness and intervention in domestic violence situations. Her heart-wrenching plea for help serves as a stark reminder of the dangers many individuals face in abusive relationships. As authorities continue their investigation, the hope for justice reverberates through a community left reeling from loss, raising crucial questions about safety, support, and the systemic changes needed to protect vulnerable individuals.
