Missing Wisconsin Woman Found Dead, Boyfriend Arrested

Gabriella Cartagena's body discovered in Michigan, her boyfriend Robert Chilcote apprehended in Minnesota

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police in Wisconsin announced that a missing 24-year-old woman, Gabriella Cartagena, was found dead in Michigan. Her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote, has been arrested in Minnesota and charged with fleeing a peace officer and being a fugitive from justice. Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to file additional charges against Chilcote.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of swift action by law enforcement to locate missing persons and apprehend suspects. It also raises questions about the availability of resources and support for victims of abuse.

The details

Cartagena was reported missing on February 5th after her mother heard her crying and pleading "Please don't shoot me. I'm sorry" during a phone call the previous night. Police found signs of a disturbance at Red Arrow Park in Marinette, Wisconsin, where Cartagena and Chilcote were believed to have been. Cartagena's body was later discovered in a wooded area in Menominee County, Michigan. Chilcote was tracked down and arrested in Minnesota, where police found several firearms in his vehicle.

  • Cartagena was reported missing on the morning of February 5th.
  • Cartagena's body was found on Tuesday, February 11th.
  • Chilcote was arrested in Minnesota on Tuesday, February 11th.

The players

Gabriella Cartagena

A 24-year-old woman from Marinette, Wisconsin who was reported missing and later found dead.

Robert Chilcote

Cartagena's boyfriend, who has been arrested and charged with fleeing a peace officer and being a fugitive from justice.

John LaCombe

The Marinette Police Chief who announced the details of the case at a news conference.

DeShea Morrow

The Marinette County District Attorney who is overseeing the prosecution and extradition of Chilcote.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Please don't shoot me. I'm sorry”

— Gabriella Cartagena (CrimeOnline)

“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.”

— John LaCombe, Marinette Police Chief (WLUK)

What’s next

Prosecutors are awaiting the completion of an autopsy to file further charges against Chilcote, who will be extradited to Wisconsin.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for greater resources and support for victims of domestic violence, as well as the importance of swift law enforcement action to locate missing persons and apprehend suspects before further harm can be done.