MARINETTE, Wis. (WKRC) – The family of a woman who went missing says she has died after she was last heard on a phone call begging for her life.
According to the Marinette Police Department, 24-year-old Gabriella Alexis Cartagena went missing at around 5 p.m. in Marinette, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, February 4. She was believed to have been dressed in a black robe, joggers, and slipper-like shoes when she went missing and was “considered involuntarily missing” by law enforcement, leading to “an extensive search” to locate her.
“The investigation led to the belief that Gabriella was in the area of Red Arrow Park in the City of Marinette immediately prior to her disappearance. As of this time, Gabriella’s whereabouts are still unknown,” authorities wrote in a statement issued on Monday, further stating that a person of interest had been taken into custody in connection to Cartagena’s disappearance, though their identity was withheld.
A report from WBAY states that the investigation was launched after the victim’s family received a phone call from Red Arrow Park, during which she reportedly could be heard saying, “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.”
Authorities confirmed in an update that she was located, writing that “more information will be released as soon as possible.” Shortly after she was found, however, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by family members that indicates that the victim has died.
“My name is Alpachino Cartagena, and I am the older brother of Gabriella Cartagena, who recently passed away. Gabriella’s passing was completely unexpected, and our family is still trying to process this sudden loss,” the GoFundMe reads in part. “During this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to our family, friends, and community for support. We are asking for any financial assistance you may be able to offer to help us give Gabriella the proper ceremony she deserves and to honor her life with dignity and love.”
WBAY reported that 29-year-old Robert Chilcote, who family members said was the last person to see Cartagena, was arrested on Thursday, February 5, after a police pursuit that lasted 16 minutes, reached over 100 mph, and involved ten pursuing deputies.
(Wright County Sheriff’s Office)
The chase began after the Wright County Sheriff’s Office was notified about an individual wanted in connection with an aggravated assault and possible homicide. The suspect was reportedly driving a red Toyota Prius and was believed to be armed, the report states. After a deputy spotted the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver allegedly fled, disregarded traffic signals and stop signs, and passed other vehicles, WBAY reported, citing a probable cause statement.
While attempting to avoid deployed stop sticks, Chicote drove onto the median, struck a stop sign, and became stuck. Following the crash, authorities discovered an AR-15 rifle with an inserted magazine on the front passenger seat, according to the report.
Chilcote was arrested and held on the following charges, per the report:
He was given a $100,000 bond.
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