In a somber press conference, the Marinette Police Department confirmed the heartbreaking news that 24-year-old Gabriella Cartagena has been found deceased. The announcement came after an intensive multi-agency search that spanned days, ending with the grim discovery of her body in a wooded area near Birch Creek Road in Menominee County, Michigan—just across the border from Wisconsin.

Cartagena was reported missing on February 5 after she was last seen around 5 p.m. on February 4 near Red Arrow Park in Marinette. Authorities quickly identified her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Chilcote, as a person of interest. He was the last known person with her and was present during a disturbing phone call to her family around 7:19 p.m. that evening. In the call, Cartagena was heard pleading, “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry,” a moment that sent shockwaves through her loved ones and launched the urgent investigation.

Investigators arrived at Red Arrow Park shortly after and recognized clear signs that the location had become a potential crime scene. Evidence suggested the 24-year-old was killed there before her body was transported to the remote Michigan woods where it was eventually located on February 10 around 10 a.m. Chilcote fled the area, leading to a high-speed chase in Minnesota, where he was taken into custody.

During the press conference, police officials expressed deep condolences to Cartagena’s family and friends, describing the case as deeply tragic. They revealed that Cartagena leaves behind a young 3-year-old daughter, adding another layer of heartbreak to the story. The couple had been living together in Marinette, though they had no children together.

What has stunned investigators and the community is the unusual nature of the crime. Authorities emphasized that the method used by the perpetrator does not match patterns seen in other homicide cases in the region. While specifics remain under wraps pending the ongoing autopsy and investigation, this distinctive approach has complicated efforts to draw parallels with prior incidents and has heightened the sense of unease surrounding the case.

No motive has been publicly determined yet, and the investigation continues with collaboration from multiple agencies across state lines. The focus remains on piecing together the final hours of Cartagena’s life and ensuring justice for her and her family.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in personal relationships and the rapid escalation possible in domestic situations. Community members in Marinette and surrounding areas have rallied in support, with fundraisers emerging to honor Cartagena’s memory and assist her loved ones during this unimaginable time.

As details slowly emerge, the public awaits further updates from authorities. For now, the emphasis is on compassion for those grieving and the hope that the full truth will come to light soon.