Suspect in Marinette Murder Returned to Wisconsin

Robert Chilcote waived extradition and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Robert Chilcote, the suspect in the murder of Gabriella Cartagena, has been transferred to the Marinette County Jail in Wisconsin after waiving his right to go through extradition proceedings in Minnesota. Chilcote is scheduled to appear in front of a Marinette judge on Thursday morning.

Why it matters

The return of the suspect to Wisconsin is a significant development in the investigation into Cartagena's death, which has sparked widespread concern in the Marinette community. The case has raised questions about public safety and the handling of violent crimes in the region.

The details

Cartagena went missing on February 4th after being last seen at Red Arrow Park in Marinette. Shortly before her disappearance, police say she placed a call to her mother and was heard saying "don't shoot me." Cartagena's body was later found in a wooded area near Birch Creek Road in Menominee, Michigan. Chilcote was arrested on February 5th in Wright County, Minnesota after a high-speed chase with police. According to the criminal complaint, Chilcote told a Marinette detective that the shooting was an accident and that Cartagena was in Michigan.

  • Cartagena went missing on February 4, 2026.
  • Chilcote was arrested on February 5, 2026 in Wright County, Minnesota.
  • Chilcote was transferred to the Marinette County Jail on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Chilcote is scheduled to appear in front of a Marinette judge on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

The players

Robert Chilcote

The suspect in the murder of Gabriella Cartagena, who is now back in Wisconsin to face a homicide charge in Marinette County.

Gabriella Cartagena

The victim who was found dead in a wooded area near Birch Creek Road in Menominee, Michigan after going missing in Marinette, Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“it was an accident”

— Robert Chilcote (Criminal Complaint)

“Cartagena was in Michigan”

— Robert Chilcote (Criminal Complaint)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Thursday whether or not to allow Robert Chilcote out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the Marinette community around violent crimes and the handling of suspects, raising questions about public safety, the criminal justice system, and the need for greater resources and support for victims and their families.