Kenosha Man Charged with Killing Estranged Wife

Prosecutors say Marckus Plaza stabbed Makayla Plaza seven times in front of their children

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:42pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car windshield reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the violence and trauma of this domestic crime.The targeted vandalism of self-driving vehicles reflects the escalating tensions and unresolved frustrations that can lead to tragic domestic violence.Kenosha Today

Marckus Plaza, 33, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and other felonies for the killing of his estranged wife, Makayla Plaza, in Kenosha, Wisconsin on April 1. Police say Plaza stabbed Makayla multiple times in front of their children and then led authorities on a 30-hour manhunt before being arrested in the basement of a local salon.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges of domestic violence, the importance of restraining orders, and the devastating impact on families when these situations escalate to violence. It also raises questions about the legal system's ability to protect victims and hold abusers accountable.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Makayla Plaza called a friend on the morning of April 1 and could be heard screaming "help" and "I'm sorry" before her estranged husband Marckus allegedly responded "Nope. It's too late for that." Police say they found Makayla's body in the basement of the home, with Marckus allegedly dragging it. One of the couple's children told police "she got dead" and had blood on his clothes, saying "my dad do it" with a knife.

  • On the morning of April 1, Makayla Plaza called a friend for help.
  • Police responded to the home near 75th Street and 22nd Avenue in Kenosha, but Marckus Plaza would not let them in.
  • Marckus Plaza then led police on a 30-hour manhunt before being arrested in the basement of a local salon.

The players

Marckus Plaza

A 33-year-old Kenosha resident accused of stabbing his estranged wife Makayla Plaza to death and leading police on a 30-hour manhunt.

Makayla Plaza

The 32-year-old estranged wife of Marckus Plaza who was allegedly killed by him in front of their children.

Korey Williams

Makayla Plaza's boyfriend, who spoke emotionally in court about trying to help her escape Marckus' abuse.

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What they’re saying

“I can't believe you. That man took everything from everybody, from me, from his children.”

— Makayla Plaza's mother

“I tried so hard to help her escape his clutches, his abuse, his mistreatment, everything that man ever put her through. I want him to feel the same fear she did that night.”

— Korey Williams, Makayla Plaza's boyfriend

What’s next

A judge will decide whether to grant Marckus Plaza bail at a hearing on Friday.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for stronger domestic violence prevention measures, better support for victims seeking restraining orders, and more comprehensive mental health resources to address the root causes of such horrific acts of violence.