Kenosha police on Thursday used a packed news conference to confirm what many neighbors had feared. Officers have arrested 33-year-old Marckus L. A. Plaza, who investigators say killed his estranged wife after they found her stabbed during a welfare check Wednesday morning near 75th Street and 22nd Avenue. Two children were inside the home when officers arrived, and court filings say one of them told investigators, "Daddy hit mommy," then later added, "Daddy used a knife."
According to the criminal complaint, officers were sent just after 6:20 a.m. to the 7400 block of 22nd Avenue for the welfare check. Plaza briefly opened the front door, then shut it once he saw police, the document states. One officer reported seeing Plaza through a basement window dragging a body before Plaza ran off. Officers then forced their way inside and found the victim stabbed, a cellphone bent in half and blood throughout the home, according to WISN.
Manhunt, shelter-in-place and arrest
Authorities ordered residents near 75th Street and 23rd Avenue to shelter in place Thursday after what they described as credible information that the suspect might be in the area. Police urged anyone who spotted him to call 911, as reported by CBS 58. Officers, K-9 teams and multiple squad cars swept the neighborhood before Plaza was later taken into custody in the basement of a salon suite and the shelter-in-place order was lifted, a development shown in a Kenosha Police news conference posted by FOX6 News Milwaukee.
Charges and court filings
The Kenosha County District Attorney filed a criminal complaint charging Plaza with first-degree intentional homicide and use of a dangerous weapon, according to local court records. A judge signed a $750,000 cash warrant for Plaza's arrest, according to WLIP.
Restraints, children and neighbors
Records obtained by reporters show the victim had previously filed a restraining order against Plaza. Investigators say the two children in the house were not the victims. Neighbors described heavy police activity, K-9 searches and a tense morning that eased into relief once officers announced the arrest, according to CBS 58.
Legal note
Under Wisconsin law, first-degree intentional homicide is classified as a Class A felony, and a conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. The elements of the crime and potential penalties are set out in Wis. Stat. § 940.01, according to Wis. Stat. 940.01.
Police asked residents not to approach the suspect and to call 911 with any tips. Investigators continue to seek information as the case moves forward, and officials issued public updates after the shelter-in-place order was lifted and the arrest was announced, per WTMJ.
