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Marinette Today
By the People, for the People
Marinette Community Holds Vigil for Woman Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend
Gabriella Cartagena, 24, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend Robert Chilcote, 29, who is now charged with first-degree intentional homicide.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Community members gathered in Marinette, Wisconsin for a vigil honoring Gabriella Cartagena, a 24-year-old mother who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend Robert Chilcote. Cartagena was reported missing on February 5th, and her body was later found in a wooded area in Michigan. Chilcote has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide for Cartagena's death.
Why it matters
This tragic incident has deeply impacted the Marinette community, where Cartagena and Chilcote had been living together for about six months after meeting at a local Walmart. The vigil was an opportunity for the community to come together and honor Cartagena's memory, while also raising awareness about domestic violence and the need for greater support and resources for victims.
The details
According to the criminal complaint, Cartagena was on the phone with her mother the night she disappeared, saying she was in distress and that someone was going to shoot her. Police found blood at Red Arrow Park, where Cartagena was believed to be with Chilcote, and determined it was a crime scene. Chilcote was later identified as a person of interest and was found in Minnesota, where he confessed to police that he had killed Cartagena, claiming it was an "accident" that happened during an argument in the car.
- On February 5th, the Marinette Police Department was notified about Cartagena's disappearance.
- Five days after she was reported missing, Cartagena's frozen body was found in a wooded area near Birch Creek Road in Menominee County, Michigan.
- Last week, Chilcote was charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide for Cartagena's death.
The players
Gabriella Cartagena
A 24-year-old mother from Marinette, Wisconsin who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote.
Robert Chilcote
A 29-year-old man charged with first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Gabriella Cartagena.
Marinette Police Department
The law enforcement agency that investigated Cartagena's disappearance and death.
What they’re saying
“I'm sorry. Don't shoot me. I'm sorry. I didn't do nothing.”
— Gabriella Cartagena
“Killing his girlfriend was 'an accident'. He said they were arguing in the car. Robert said she was calling him names and he told her to get out of the car. Robert said tried to scare her with the gun and then the gun went off.”
— Robert Chilcote (Criminal Complaint)
What’s next
The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Robert Chilcote out on bail.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence in communities like Marinette. The vigil was an important step in honoring Gabriella Cartagena's memory and bringing the community together to support her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
