Apr. 6, 2026 6:15p; Edited 7p
(WGTD)---The 33-year-old Kenosha man who allegedly killed his estranged wife stabbed himself in the neck as officers closed in on him in the basement of a hair salon.
Marckus Plaza, wearing a "suicide vest", made his first appearance in Kenosha Court Tuesday afternoon. In addition to a previously-announced charge of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, counts of obstructing, entry into a locked building and causing mental harm to a child were filed. The couple's two small children were present when their mother, 28 year-old Makayla Plaza, was repeatedly stabbed last week in her 22nd Ave. home.
Bond for Plaza was set at $2 million.
A competency exam was also ordered. According to what Makayla told police earlier this year, Marckus suffered from bi-polar disorder and had not been taking his medication.
The criminal complaint adds detail to the manhunt for Plaza that ensued after the murder. Marckus reportedly phoned several friends in search of a ride out of the neighborhood where the killing occurred. Authorities believe Marckus may have gained entry to the salon by sliding down an old coal chute on the outside of the building. He was found hiding behind some cabinets. As officers approached, Plaza reportedly used a box cutter-styled knife to cut his neck. He was treated at the hospital and later taken to jail.
The complaint notes that Plaza communicated with friends while on the run via Snapchat, telling them, "I love you all. I ain't going out like this."
A second criminal complaint was filed Tuesday against Plaza as a result of incidents that occurred in February involving Makayla's boyfriend, Korey Williams.
A Go Fund Me account has been established.
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