Authorities in Wisconsin have reported the tragic discovery of a missing woman, Gabriella Cartagena, whose body was found in Michigan. Her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote, has been apprehended in Minnesota in connection with her death.
Gabriella Cartagena, a 24-year-old resident of Marinette, Wisconsin, was discovered deceased in Michigan. Investigators suspect that the crime took place in Marinette, where she lived with Robert Chilcote, according to WLUK.
Marinette Police Chief John LaCombe addressed the media on Thursday, revealing that officers had responded to Red Arrow Park, a location linked to the couple. At the scene, they observed potential blood evidence and signs of a struggle, prompting them to prioritize this area in their investigation.
The investigation began on February 5, when Cartagena’s family reported her missing. They recounted a disturbing phone call with her mother, during which Cartagena was heard pleading, “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry,” as detailed by CrimeOnline. Although police confirmed finding her on Tuesday, it was her family who first disclosed her death.
The Marinette Police Department revealed on Thursday that Cartagena’s remains were located in a wooded area of Menominee County, Michigan, earlier in the week. This discovery was made as investigators traced Chilcote’s actions following Cartagena’s disappearance, ultimately leading them to his arrest in Minnesota.
Chilcote now faces charges for evading law enforcement in a motor vehicle and being a fugitive from justice in another state. Authorities reported the recovery of “several firearms” from his vehicle at the time of his arrest.
“I don’t know if those were the weapons used in this incident or not,” LaCombe said.
Prosecutors are awaiting completion of an autopsy to file further charges, Marinette County District Attorney DeShea Morrow said. Her office has already begun the process to extradite Chilcote to Wisconsin.
