Mother's Final Pleas Heard Before Body Discovered in Wooded Michigan Area
The tragic case of a young mother found dead in a remote wooded area has shocked communities across state lines, following a harrowing phone call where she was heard begging for her life. Gabriella Cartagena, a 24-year-old mother-of-one, was discovered in Menominee County, Michigan, on Tuesday, five days after her family reported her missing.
Distressing Phone Call Precedes Disappearance
According to family members, Cartagena made an unsettling phone call the night before she vanished, during which she was clearly distressed. "Please don't shoot me, I'm sorry," she could be heard crying during the call, her family told authorities. This chilling plea would become the last communication her loved ones would receive from her.
Cartagena's family alerted police to her disappearance on the morning of February 5, explaining she was last seen the previous day around 5pm near her home close to the Little River Country Club boat launch. Marinette Police Chief John LaCombe confirmed that Cartagena lived with her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Chilcote, in Marinette.
Boyfriend Becomes Person of Interest After High-Speed Chase
Investigators quickly identified Chilcote as a person of interest in the case. Authorities tracked his movements using business surveillance footage and cell tower records, which placed him at Red Arrow Park in Milwaukee around the time of Cartagena's disappearance.
Chilcote was taken into custody after leading police on a dramatic 16-minute high-speed chase that reached speeds of 100 mph. The pursuit only ended when he lost control of his vehicle while attempting to avoid stop sticks deployed by officers. Several firearms were discovered in Chilcote's car at the time of his arrest, though police have not confirmed whether they were used in the incident.
Crime Scene Evidence and Witness Accounts
Police immediately identified Red Arrow Park as a potential crime scene after visiting the location from which Cartagena was believed to have called her mother. Chief LaCombe described the snow-covered area as showing "signs of possible blood and other disturbances."
Two witnesses told authorities they heard arguing in the area around the time of Cartagena's disappearance, according to WBAY News. Surveillance footage from the Bird Street entrance to the park showed a vehicle coming and going, providing investigators with a crucial timeline.
Cross-State Investigation Leads to Discovery
Using police technology, authorities traced Chilcote's movements from Red Arrow Park into Menominee, Michigan. They tracked him as he traveled north out of Menominee City and returned approximately 20 minutes later.
Over the next five days, multiple law enforcement agencies continued searching for Cartagena, using the established timeframe and cell tower information to focus their efforts on a wooded area near Birch Creek Road. Her body was finally located on Tuesday morning, even after investigators had been "continuously" combing the area.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Chilcote is currently being held on a $100,000 bond, facing charges of fleeing and eluding and being a fugitive from another state. Marinette County District Attorney DeShea Morrow stated that her office is waiting for autopsy results before filing additional charges. Steps to extradite Chilcote to Wisconsin are already in motion.
Authorities have confirmed that no prior domestic disturbances had ever been reported between Cartagena and Chilcote, and no motive has been revealed at this time.
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community. "I think it's terrible. A real tragedy, and I think the community all shares in the grief," Marinette resident Tom Maxwell told WBAY News. "This is a law-abiding community. People here stick together and just don't tolerate that kind of behavior."
Family's Heartbreak and Memorial Plans
Cartagena's family is devastated by their loss, particularly concerned for her three-year-old daughter Anaya, who will now grow up without her mother. Relative Brianna Marie expressed the family's anguish on Facebook: "What breaks my heart the most is my niece, her beautiful three-year-old daughter Anaya, will grow up missing her mother every single day for the rest of her life."
She added, "It is devastating that a cold-hearted individual ripped that future away from her and from Anaya." Cartagena had her child from a previous relationship.
The family plans to hold a candlelight vigil, though no date has been set. Two GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help cover funeral and travel expenses, as well as support Cartagena's mother during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑7233.
