Crime
Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza Killed in Kenosha Domestic Violence Incident After Restraining Order Denied, Suspect Marckus Plaza at Large
KENOSHA, Wis. — Authorities are conducting an intensive search for a man accused of killing his estranged wife in a domestic violence incident Tuesday morning, days after a court denied her request for a restraining order.
The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza.
According to officials, she was killed at a residence in the 7400 block of 22nd Avenue.
Her estranged husband, 33-year-old Marckus L.A. Plaza, is considered the primary suspect and remains at large.
Officers were dispatched to the home after a caller reported hearing a woman screaming, “get off of me,” while a man was allegedly assaulting her. Dispatch records indicated a prior history of domestic violence involving the couple, who share children.
Upon arrival, officers located the individuals in the basement of the residence. According to radio communications, one officer reported that the suspect was actively “dragging her to the ground.” Emergency medical services were initially requested as officers assessed the situation.
However, moments later, responders were advised to stand down after it became apparent the victim had succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
One officer indicated over the radio that rescue personnel would no longer be needed.
Authorities say Marckus Plaza fled the residence on foot through nearby backyards as officers arrived.
A large-scale search operation was immediately launched, involving the Kenosha Police Department, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, and Pleasant Prairie Police Department.
More than 50 law enforcement units, along with drones and K-9 teams, were deployed in an effort to locate the suspect.
Officers tracked what appeared to be blood evidence across multiple properties, including yards, fences, garages, and driveways within an area spanning 73rd to 75th Streets and 22nd to 30th Avenues.
Police issued a public alert warning residents of a potentially dangerous individual in the area.
The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and 190 pounds, last seen wearing dark sweatpants and a white tank top.
Court records indicate that Makayla Plaza filed for divorce on February 2, 2026, followed by a request for a restraining order the following day.
In her petition, she detailed a pattern of alleged abuse, including claims that her husband took her phone and keys, prevented her from leaving the home, locked her in or out of the residence, monitored her communications, and controlled household finances.
She also alleged prior physical violence and stated that he had made threatening remarks, including telling her she was “stuck in this marriage until God decides it’s over.” In her filing, she expressed fear for her safety and for the well-being of her children, including concerns that he might take them and disappear.
Despite these allegations, the restraining order request was denied on February 9 by a court commissioner, who determined that the legal threshold for issuance had not been met.
Makayla Plaza, whose maiden name was Rutka, previously worked as a correctional officer with the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the community and raised renewed concerns about domestic violence protections.
Authorities continue to search for Marckus Plaza and are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.
The homicide investigation remains active and ongoing.
Crime
5 dead including 3 children in Silver Rail Elementary shooting in Bend, teenage shooter killed by a Good Samaritan
BEND, Ore. — Five people were reportedly killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, according to preliminary information attributed to federal law enforcement.
The reported shooting prompted a major emergency response involving police, fire crews, and emergency medical services.
Authorities issued an alert at approximately 1:17 p.m., warning of a large police presence at the elementary school and urging the public to avoid the area.
According to the information provided, four victims were killed at the school. Three of those victims were children, while the fourth was an adult. The suspected gunman, described in preliminary reports as a teenager, was also reported dead, bringing the reported total to five fatalities.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identities of the victims and the suspect, had not been fully established in the information available.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspected gunman was a teenager and was killed after being confronted by a Good Samaritan.
Earlier scanner traffic reportedly indicated that the suspect had been neutralized. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the individual who intervened may have been a father of a student at the school.
However, authorities had not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the confrontation or independently verified the reported identity and role of the person who intervened.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, how the suspect was stopped, and whether the suspect acted alone.
The first police alert was issued at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday. It described a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and instructed the public to stay away from the area.
Fire and emergency medical services personnel were seen responding near the school as authorities worked to address the reported threat and assist those affected.
The shooting prompted urgent concern among families and the surrounding community, particularly after reports indicated that children were among the victims.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial alert, police announced a reunification site for students and their families at Journey Church, located at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen.
Parents and guardians were instructed to go to the designated location to reunite with students and receive further information.
Authorities urged families to follow official instructions and avoid approaching the school while emergency operations continued.
The reported shooting also prompted precautionary security measures at nearby schools. Parents received alerts indicating that Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary School had been placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The lockdowns were reported as law enforcement responded to Silver Rail Elementary and worked to secure the surrounding area.
Further information was needed to establish how long the lockdowns remained in effect and when normal school operations resumed.
Although preliminary information indicated five deaths, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, additional official confirmation is needed regarding the victims’ identities, the suspect’s identity, and the circumstances of the shooting.
The reported involvement of a Good Samaritan also requires confirmation from investigators.
This remains a developing story. Further details should be added as law enforcement and school officials release verified information about the shooting and the investigation.