Woman Found Dead After Pleading for Life in Call to Mom

Gabriella Cartagena's body discovered in Michigan after multistate search for her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 24-year-old Wisconsin woman named Gabriella Cartagena was found dead in Menominee County, Michigan, after her family reported her missing following an alarming phone call in which she was heard pleading "Please don't shoot me, I'm sorry." Authorities believe Cartagena was killed in Red Arrow Park in Marinette, Wisconsin, and her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Chilcote, transported her body to Michigan to dispose of it.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of taking prompt action when someone's life may be in jeopardy. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders should be released on bond, as Chilcote had an outstanding warrant in another state at the time of the incident.

The details

On February 4, Cartagena's mother received a phone call from her daughter in which she was heard pleading "Please don't shoot me, I'm sorry." Cartagena's family reported her missing, believing she was with Chilcote at Red Arrow Park in Marinette. Police found "possible blood and other disturbances" at the park. Authorities in Minnesota later arrested Chilcote on an outstanding warrant, and his movements led them to Cartagena's body in Michigan. Chilcote is being held on $500,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 20.

  • On February 4, Cartagena's mother received the alarming phone call from her daughter.
  • On February 5, authorities in Minnesota's Wright County found Chilcote and arrested him on an outstanding warrant.
  • On February 7, Cartagena's body was found in Menominee County, Michigan.
  • On February 12, authorities held a press conference to provide updates on the case.

The players

Gabriella Cartagena

A 24-year-old woman from Wisconsin who was reported missing by her family after an alarming phone call, and was later found dead.

Robert Chilcote

Cartagena's 29-year-old boyfriend, who is a person of interest in the case and was arrested in Minnesota on an outstanding warrant.

Marinette Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated Cartagena's disappearance and death.

Wright County Sheriff's Office

The Minnesota law enforcement agency that arrested Chilcote on an outstanding warrant.

DeShea Morrow

The Marinette County District Attorney who discussed the case during a press conference.

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What they’re saying

“Please don't shoot me, I'm sorry.”

— Gabriella Cartagena

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Chilcote's extradition to Marinette County, Wisconsin, is pending, and he is scheduled to appear in court on February 20. Additional charges may be filed pending the results of Cartagena's autopsy.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for improved domestic violence prevention and response measures, as well as the ongoing challenges surrounding bail reform and the treatment of repeat offenders. It serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when warning signs are overlooked or not acted upon swiftly enough.