Missing 24-Year-Old Gabriella Cartagena Found Dead in Woods; Boyfriend Taken into Custody
Authorities are investigating the death of Gabriella Cartagena, 24, whose body was discovered Tuesday in a wooded area off Birch Creek Road in Menominee County, Michigan, following her disappearance last week.
Cartagena’s family reported her missing last Thursday after receiving a phone call in which she reportedly said to her mother, “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.” Family members believed she was at Red Arrow Park with her boyfriend, Robert Chilcote, when she went missing.
Police said that Red Arrow Park appeared to be a crime scene, with signs of a disturbance and possible blood. During a canvass, two witnesses reported hearing arguing around the time of Cartagena’s disappearance.
Chilcote, 29, was named a person of interest in the case. He was taken into custody following a 16-minute high-speed chase that reached speeds of 100 mph. The pursuit ended when he lost control of his vehicle while attempting to evade stop sticks. Police reported that several firearms were found in the car.
Chilcote is currently held on a $100,000 bond and faces charges of fleeing and eluding and being a fugitive from another state. He has not been charged in connection with Cartagena’s death. Authorities stated that the results of Cartagena’s autopsy will be provided to the district attorney as the investigation continues.
A relative shared that Cartagena leaves behind a 3-year-old daughter, and the family is planning a candlelight vigil to honor her memory.
The community is mourning the tragic loss of Gabriella Cartagena as law enforcement works to determine the full circumstances surrounding her death.
Leave a Reply