Boyfriend charged with homicide in Marinette woman's death

Robert Chilcote admitted to shooting Gabriella Cartagena in the head before dumping her body in Michigan, according to a criminal complaint.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Robert Chilcote, 29, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Cartagena, in Marinette, Wisconsin. According to the criminal complaint, Chilcote admitted to shooting Cartagena in the head during an argument, then driving her body to Michigan and disposing of it.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for greater awareness and resources to prevent such incidents. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's handling of suspects with a history of violence.

The details

Police were called by Cartagena's family, who were concerned for her safety after hearing her say "I'm sorry, don't shoot me, I didn't do anything" during a phone call with her mother. Authorities found a large area of what appeared to be blood at Red Arrow Park in Marinette. Chilcote was later arrested in Minnesota, where he admitted to shooting Cartagena in the head during an argument, then driving her body to a wooded area in Michigan and disposing of it. Chilcote and Cartagena had been dating for six months and were living together.

  • Cartagena's mother heard the concerning phone call the night before her disappearance.
  • Police responded to Red Arrow Park in Marinette and found evidence of blood.
  • Chilcote was arrested in Minnesota and confessed to the shooting and dumping of Cartagena's body.
  • Chilcote is scheduled to appear in court in Minnesota on February 20.

The players

Robert Chilcote

A 29-year-old man charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Cartagena.

Gabriella Cartagena

A woman from Marinette, Wisconsin, who was killed by her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote.

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What they’re saying

“Robert said it was the .22 pistol and that it happened inside the car. Robert said he shot her in the head and he went around to the other side of the car and laid her on the ground. He said she was bleeding and he was scared and panicking.”

— Robert Chilcote (Criminal Complaint)

What’s next

Chilcote is scheduled to appear in court in Minnesota on February 20, where he will face charges for the first-degree intentional homicide of Gabriella Cartagena.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence, as well as the importance of the criminal justice system holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.