Mother’s Final Plea: “Don’t Shoot Me”

A young mother’s desperate plea for her life during a chilling phone call to family has led to murder charges in a horrific cross-state crime that exposes the deadly reality of domestic violence and showcases how surveillance technology helped track down a fleeing suspect.

Story Highlights

Gabriella Cartagena, 24, called her mother crying “Please don’t shoot me” before her body was found six days later in Michigan woods
Boyfriend Robert Chilcote, 29, arrested in Minnesota after fleeing Wisconsin with weapons in his vehicle following a police chase
Surveillance cameras and cell tower data tracked suspect’s movements across state lines, leading investigators to victim’s body
No prior domestic violence reports existed between the couple despite living together in Marinette, Wisconsin
Multi-state investigation demonstrates critical need for inter-agency cooperation in protecting communities from violent criminals

Victim’s Final Moments Captured in Harrowing Phone Call

Gabriella Cartagena made a desperate phone call to her mother around 7:20 p.m. on February 4, 2026, her voice filled with terror as she pleaded for her life. The 24-year-old mother was last seen two hours earlier at Red Arrow Park in Marinette, Wisconsin, with her boyfriend Robert Chilcote. Her anguished cry of “Please don’t shoot me” would be the last time her family heard from her alive. When Cartagena failed to return home, her mother reported her missing to Marinette Police the following morning, triggering an investigation that would span three states.

Evidence Trail Leads to Cross-Border Body Dump

Marinette Police Chief Jon LaCombe directed investigators to Red Arrow Park, where they discovered blood evidence and signs of disturbance covered by snow. Surveillance footage from multiple locations tracked Chilcote’s red Toyota Prius traveling north on Highway 41 toward Menominee, Michigan, between 9:25 and 9:45 p.m. on February 4. Cell tower data corroborated the video evidence, pinpointing a twenty-minute round trip that investigators used to narrow their search area. This technological tracking proved essential in leading authorities to Cartagena’s body on February 10 in a wooded area near Birch Creek Road in Menominee County, Michigan, approximately six days after her disappearance.

Suspect Flees to Minnesota Before Capture

Robert Chilcote attempted to evade justice by fleeing to Wright County, Minnesota, where he had no known ties or connections. Wright County deputies arrested the 29-year-old suspect on February 5 following a police chase, discovering weapons in his vehicle during the arrest. Chilcote was initially booked as a fugitive from justice and remained silent during interviews with law enforcement. The suspect’s flight across state lines demonstrates the lengths violent offenders will go to escape accountability, making multi-jurisdictional cooperation essential for bringing criminals to justice and protecting law-abiding citizens.

Investigation Highlights Domestic Violence Dangers

The tragic case underscores a disturbing reality: domestic violence can erupt without warning signs. Marinette police records show no prior domestic disturbance calls between Cartagena and Chilcote, despite the couple living together in the Wisconsin community. Cartagena, originally from the Milwaukee area, had moved to Marinette with her family approximately one year before her death. She leaves behind a young child from a previous relationship. Marinette County District Attorney DeShea Morrow awaits autopsy results from the medical examiner before filing formal charges, while extradition proceedings to return Chilcote from Minnesota to Wisconsin remain underway. This case serves as a sobering reminder that evil can hide behind familiar faces, threatening the safety and sanctity of families in small-town America.

Law Enforcement Coordination Delivers Results

The successful resolution of this investigation demonstrates what effective law enforcement can accomplish when agencies work together without bureaucratic interference. Marinette Police, Menominee County authorities in Michigan, and Wright County deputies in Minnesota collaborated seamlessly to track a suspect who attempted to exploit state boundaries for escape. Chief LaCombe emphasized the department’s commitment to seeking justice for Cartagena and her family. Public Information Officer Brad Bayerl extended condolences to the grieving family at press conferences held on February 12 and 13. The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare charges, but authorities have confirmed Chilcote is the only suspect and no additional individuals are involved in this heinous crime.