A tragic case of domestic violence has shaken the community of Kenosha, where a 28-year-old woman was killed just days after her request for a restraining order was denied. Authorities have identified the victim as Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza, whose death has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the protection of abuse victims.

According to police, Makayla was found dead Tuesday morning at a home in the 7400 block of 22nd Avenue. Officers were dispatched after a chilling 911 call in which a woman could be heard screaming, “get off of me,” while a man was reportedly assaulting her. The scene quickly turned tragic when responders discovered that Makayla had already died from her injuries.

Her estranged husband, 33-year-old Marckus L.A. Plaza, has been named as the primary suspect. Authorities say he fled the home on foot through nearby backyards as officers arrived. A large-scale manhunt involving the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, and Pleasant Prairie Police Department was immediately launched, with more than 50 units, drones, and K-9 teams searching the area.

Investigators followed what appeared to be blood evidence across multiple properties, including yards, fences, and garages within a wide perimeter. Residents were warned to stay alert as police searched for the suspect, who is described as a Black male, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing dark sweatpants and a white tank top.

Court records reveal that Makayla had filed for divorce on February 2, 2026, and requested a restraining order the following day. In her petition, she described ongoing abuse, claiming her husband controlled her movements, monitored her communications, and had physically harmed her in the past. She also expressed deep fear for her safety and her children, warning that he might harm her or take the children away.

Despite these alarming claims, the restraining order was denied on February 9 after a court commissioner ruled that the legal standard had not been met. Makayla, who previously worked with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, is now being remembered as a victim whose pleas for help were not enough to prevent tragedy. Authorities continue to search for Marckus Plaza as the investigation remains active, urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.