Kenosha Man Charged with Wife's Murder After Denied Restraining Order

Marckus Plaza faces $2M bond, competency hearing after 24-hour manhunt

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:11pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered cell phone screen, reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a violent domestic incident.The shattered remnants of a cell phone screen serve as a somber reminder of the tragic consequences that can occur when domestic violence victims' pleas for protection go unheeded.Kenosha Today

A Kenosha man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide in the death of his estranged wife, Makayla Plaza, months after she was denied a restraining order against him. Marckus Plaza was arrested after leading police on a 24-hour manhunt, and a $2 million cash bond has been set in the case.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the challenges victims of domestic violence can face when seeking legal protections, and the potential consequences when those requests are denied. It also raises questions about how law enforcement can better identify and respond to high-risk domestic violence situations.

The details

According to court records, Makayla Plaza had filed multiple police reports regarding her husband's behavior and tried to get a restraining order against him in early February, but it was denied. Marckus Plaza was arrested on Thursday after leading authorities on a 24-hour manhunt that ended when he was found hiding in the basement of a local salon.

  • Makayla Plaza filed for a restraining order against her husband in early February 2026.
  • Marckus Plaza was arrested on Thursday, April 6, 2026 after a 24-hour manhunt.
  • A $2 million cash bond was set for Marckus Plaza during a court hearing on Monday, April 10, 2026.
  • A competency hearing for Marckus Plaza is scheduled for May 2026.

The players

Marckus Plaza

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

Makayla Plaza

The victim, Marckus Plaza's estranged wife, who had previously filed multiple police reports regarding his behavior and was denied a restraining order.

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What’s next

A competency hearing for Marckus Plaza is scheduled for May 2026, where the court will determine if he is fit to stand trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for improved domestic violence prevention and response measures, including ensuring victims' requests for restraining orders are taken seriously and granted when appropriate, in order to protect vulnerable individuals and potentially save lives.