Domestic Violence Homicides Shake Kenosha Community

Two killings in nine days prompt concern and outreach from local advocacy group

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:21am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered cell phone screen against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of domestic violence without depicting any literal violence or victims.The aftermath of domestic violence leaves behind shattered lives and broken trust.Kenosha Today

The Kenosha community is reeling after two domestic violence homicides occurred just nine days apart. Makayla Plaza, a 28-year-old domestic violence advocate, was allegedly killed by her partner Marckus Plaza on April 1st. This tragedy came shortly after the March 23rd killing of 37-year-old Amber Montana, allegedly by her partner Brandyn Hall. The back-to-back incidents have prompted an uptick in calls to the local advocacy group Women and Children's Horizons, which is working to support those affected by the violence.

Why it matters

Domestic violence remains a persistent and deadly issue, with victims often facing increased risks from their own partners. These two high-profile killings in Kenosha County have shaken the community and highlighted the ongoing need for domestic violence prevention and support services, even for those with specialized knowledge like Makayla Plaza.

The details

Makayla Plaza, a 28-year-old domestic violence advocate at Women and Children's Horizons, was allegedly killed by her partner Marckus Plaza on April 1st. Their children were in the home at the time. Marckus Plaza has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and is being held on a $2 million cash bond. Just nine days earlier, 37-year-old Amber Montana was allegedly killed by her partner Brandyn Hall, 35, in Twin Lakes. Hall has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide, recklessly endangering safety, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

  • Makayla Plaza was killed on April 1, 2026.
  • Amber Montana was killed on March 23, 2026.

The players

Makayla Plaza

A 28-year-old domestic violence advocate at Women and Children's Horizons who was allegedly killed by her partner.

Marckus Plaza

The 28-year-old man charged with first-degree intentional homicide for allegedly killing his partner Makayla Plaza.

Amber Montana

A 37-year-old woman who was allegedly killed by her partner Brandyn Hall in Twin Lakes.

Brandyn Hall

The 35-year-old man charged with first-degree intentional homicide, recklessly endangering safety, and possession of a firearm by a felon for allegedly killing his partner Amber Montana.

Sue Sippel

The director of Women and Children's Horizons, a domestic violence advocacy group that has seen an uptick in calls since the two homicides.

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What they’re saying

“She had the knowledge, she understood domestic violence, but knowledge and understanding doesn't make you immune to domestic violence. That can happen to anyone, including people who are employed or were employed in a domestic violence program.”

— Sue Sippel, Director, Women and Children's Horizons

“It is concerning that there have been multiple domestic violence homicides in a short period of time.”

— Sue Sippel, Director, Women and Children's Horizons

“We have seen definitely an uptick in calls, not only from Kenosha County but from some of the surrounding counties, because people have seen the stories on the media.”

— Sue Sippel, Director, Women and Children's Horizons

What’s next

Women and Children's Horizons is continuing to provide free and confidential services to those affected by domestic violence, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and a 24-hour crisis hotline.

The takeaway

These tragic domestic violence homicides in Kenosha County highlight the ongoing need for robust support services and community awareness around this persistent issue. Even those with specialized knowledge, like Makayla Plaza, can fall victim to domestic violence, underscoring the importance of prevention efforts and resources for all.