Kenosha homicide; man accused found, taken into custody Thursday

KENOSHA, Wis. - A 30-hour manhunt ended with the arrest of a man accused of killing his estranged wife, a former Kenosha County correctional officer.

Thursday shelter-in-place order

What we know:

Officers first responded to a home on Wednesday morning, April 1, for a welfare check. Investigators say 33-year-old Marckus Plaza fled when officers confronted him at the door, prompting a manhunt that lasted until Thursday afternoon, April 2.

Court records show a judge issued a $750,000 cash warrant for Plaza. As of Thursday evening, he remains in custody.

Thursday news conference

What we know:

The Kenosha Police Department provided more details at a press conference on Thursday. Officials said they learned that Marckus was hiding in the basement of a salon.

When officers attempted to arrest him, Marckus injured himself with a knife. There was a struggle that resulted in two officers suffering minor injuries. They were both taken to the hospital and released.

"Our officers in the last 30 hours have been asked to go and witness and work through some of the hardest things individuals should ever have to see," said Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton.

Victim identified

What we know:

During the press conference, authorities identified the victim as 28-year-old Makayla Plaza. She was a member of the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office in 2023.

Prosecutors say she was found with a knife in her left eye.

Two young children — identified as Plaza’s and the victim’s shared children — were inside the home, per the criminal complaint. One child told officers, "Daddy hit mommy," according to the complaint. Investigators say one child was in the basement with the victim, while another had blood on their clothing.

Per the complaint, one child told investigators, "Momma got dead." The child also told investigators, "daddy use a knife, my dad do it. He put knife in [mommy’s] forehead."

Finding support

Big picture view:

Officials noted the broader impact of the case.

Court records show that weeks before the killing, Makayla Plaza filed a petition for a restraining order against Marckus Plaza, but the request was denied. She leaves behind two children.

"Her two children are now facing life without their mother," said Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala. "We must never lose sight of a human tragedy at the center of this case."

If you or a loved one is in a crisis or seeking help, call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or visit End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin's list of local resources.

Kenosha manhunt

The backstory:

Marckus Plaza was charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide — use of a dangerous weapon on Wednesday. Police say when officers arrived earlier that day, Plaza answered the door, identified himself as "Allen," then shut the door.

An officer later saw Plaza dragging a body through a basement window, according to the complaint.

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Investigators say officers forced entry and found the victim dead in the basement. The complaint states officers observed signs of a struggle and that the woman had been stabbed.

Officers also found a cellphone in the basement bent in half.

What's next:

If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Crime and Public SafetyKenoshaNews