Candice Smith Singh South Dakota, Obituary, Missing 24-year-old found dead in woods after family heard her pleading for her life on phone
The tragic death of 24-year-old Gabriella Cartagena has left communities in Wisconsin and Michigan reeling, a case made horrifying by a final, desperate phone call to her family. Last Thursday, Cartagena’s mother reportedly heard her daughter’s terrified pleas during a call: “Please don’t shoot me. I’m sorry.” This chilling moment marked the beginning of a frantic search that ended in unspeakable loss.
Loved ones, believing she was with her boyfriend, 29-year-old Robert Chilcote, at Marinette’s Red Arrow Park, alerted police. Officers discovered a disturbing scene at the snow-covered park, noting possible blood and signs of a struggle. Witnesses reported hearing arguments in the area around the time of her disappearance.
Days later, the search concluded with devastating news. Cartagena’s body was found Tuesday in a wooded area of Menominee County, Michigan. As police worked the scene, Chilcote was named a person of interest. He was apprehended after a high-speed chase, and authorities found several firearms in his vehicle.
Currently held on a $100,000 bond for fleeing and eluding, Chilcote has not been charged directly in Cartagena’s death. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results to present to the district attorney.
Gabriella Cartagena is remembered as a young mother to a 3-year-old daughter. As her family plans a candlelight vigil, they are left to mourn a life ended too soon, its final moments forever marked by a heartbreaking cry for mercy heard through a phone.
