Suspect arrested after stabbing estranged wife to death in Kenosha home

Marckus Plaza charged with first-degree intentional homicide in killing of Makayla Plaza

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bloodied box cutter knife against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violent crime at the heart of this news story.A recent wave of domestic violence incidents in Kenosha has exposed the need for stronger community support and intervention programs.Kenosha Today

Kenosha police have arrested 33-year-old Marckus Plaza after a manhunt for the suspect accused of stabbing his estranged wife, 28-year-old Makayla Plaza, to death inside their Kenosha home. The couple's two young children, ages 2 and 4, were present during the incident. Plaza was found hiding in the basement of a nearby hair salon and taken into custody after a struggle with police.

Why it matters

This tragic domestic violence case highlights the need for better resources and support systems to protect victims of abuse and their families. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether the legal system is doing enough to prevent repeat offenders from committing violent crimes.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, police responded to a welfare check at the Plaza home on Wednesday and found Makayla Plaza stabbed to death, with a knife in her left eye. Marckus Plaza initially identified himself as "Allen" before fleeing on foot as officers entered the home. The couple's two young children told police "Daddy hit mommy" and "Daddy use a knife." Police spent over 24 hours searching for Marckus Plaza before receiving a tip that led them to a nearby hair salon, where he was found hiding in the basement. Two officers suffered minor injuries during the arrest.

  • On Wednesday, police responded to a welfare check at the Plaza home.
  • Marckus Plaza was arrested on Thursday morning after a 24-hour manhunt.
  • Marckus Plaza will appear in court for his initial appearance on Monday at 1 p.m.

The players

Marckus Plaza

A 33-year-old man charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the stabbing death of his estranged wife, Makayla Plaza.

Makayla Plaza

A 28-year-old woman who was stabbed to death inside her Kenosha home, allegedly by her estranged husband, Marckus Plaza.

Kenosha Police Department

The law enforcement agency that led the manhunt and arrest of Marckus Plaza.

Patrick Patton

The Kenosha Police Chief who provided updates on the case at the press conference.

Xavier Solis

The Kenosha County District Attorney who announced Marckus Plaza will appear in court for his initial appearance.

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What they’re saying

“Daddy hit mommy”

— One of the Plaza children

“Daddy use a knife. My dad do it.”

— One of the Plaza children

What’s next

Marckus Plaza will appear in court for his initial appearance on Monday at 1 p.m. The Kenosha County District Attorney will determine if additional charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This tragic case of domestic violence highlights the need for greater resources and support systems to protect victims and their families. It also raises questions about whether the legal system is doing enough to prevent repeat offenders from committing violent crimes.