A desperate plea of “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry” from a young Wisconsin woman may mark her final moments, as family claims she died after vanishing amid a suspect’s armed high-speed chase.
Story Snapshot
- Gabriella Alexis Cartagena, 24, disappeared February 4, 2026, near Red Arrow Park in Marinette, WI, after a distress call to family pleading for her life.
- Suspect Robert Chilcote arrested February 5 after 16-minute chase exceeding 100 mph in a red Toyota Prius, found with an AR-15 rifle.
- Police announced Cartagena “located” on February 11, but withheld condition details; brother’s GoFundMe claims her unexpected death.
- Chilcote faces aggravated battery charges with $500,000 bail; press conference set for February 12.
Distress Call Sparks Urgent Search
Gabriella Alexis Cartagena vanished on February 4, 2026, around 5 p.m. near Red Arrow Park or Little River Country Club in Marinette, Wisconsin. Witnesses saw her in distress wearing a black robe, joggers, and slippers. Her family received a chilling phone call from the location where she begged, “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.” Marinette Police classified her as involuntarily missing and launched surveillance reviews focusing on a red Toyota Prius linked to the area. This rural border town of 10,000 residents rallied as after-dark park risks heightened fears.
High-Speed Chase Leads to Suspect’s Arrest
On February 5, authorities reported Cartagena missing and pursued Robert Alan Chilcote, 29, in the suspect Prius. A 16-minute chase involved 10 deputies across states, topping 100 mph, ending in Wright County, Minnesota. Deputies found Chilcote with an AR-15 rifle. He faced initial charges of fleeing police and fugitive from justice on $100,000 bond. Marinette County added aggravated battery charges on February 6, issuing a warrant. Wright County Sheriff’s Office notified on February 9 requested extradition. Chilcote, last seen with Cartagena, remains detained ahead of February 20 court.
Discovery Announced Amid Family Grief
Marinette Police announced on February 11 around 3 p.m. that Cartagena had been located and was no longer missing. Officials withheld her condition or location, stating more details would follow. Her brother Alpachino Cartagena launched a GoFundMe memorial claiming her unexpected death, seeking funds for a ceremony. Police Chief offered no comment on the claim. A press conference scheduled for February 12 at 9 a.m. aims to provide updates. The rapid shift from search to presumed tragedy underscores rural policing challenges.
Family motivations center on closure and financial support amid official silence. Chilcote’s flight and weapon possession suggest evasion tied to foul play. Law enforcement coordinates cross-state efforts, holding investigative authority. Community surveillance aided the probe, but uncertainties persist on exact ties between charges and the disappearance.
Community Impact and Ongoing Probe
Marinette residents face heightened safety concerns near public parks like Red Arrow, spotlighting violence against women in small towns. The case strains cross-state resources, with potential homicide charges if death confirms. Short-term shock drives fundraiser support; long-term implications include trial proceedings and reviews of missing persons protocols in rural Wisconsin and Minnesota. Local media views the plea, chase, and AR-15 as strong foul play indicators, urging transparency. Extradition processes may face scrutiny.
Affected parties include the grieving Cartagena family bearing financial strain, locals fearing park dangers, and agencies managing pursuits. Social awareness rises on women’s safety without broader political waves. No direct precedents match this armed, cross-state escalation from a recorded distress call.
Sources:
Missing Marinette woman found, officials say
Gabriella Cartagena found, police say
