KENOSHA, Wis. — Court Commissioner William “Bargain Bail Billy” Michel II is not in court Monday for one of the highest-profile bail hearings in recent Kenosha County history.

Instead, Liberal Activist Supplemental Court Commissioner Aileen “Half-Off” Henry is expected to preside over the 1 p.m. initial appearance for Marckus Plaza, the Kenosha man charged with killing his wife, Makayla Rutka-Plaza, and then leading police on a nearly 30-hour manhunt before his arrest Thursday.

Monday’s hearing is expected to determine whether Plaza remains jailed on the temporary $750,000 arrest warrant signed last week by Judge Heather Iverson or whether prosecutors will seek an even higher cash bail.

Michel’s absence immediately raised eyebrows because it comes just weeks after he denied Rutka-Plaza’s restraining order request against Marckus Plaza.

Rutka-Plaza had filed for divorce and a restraining order on Feb. 2, writing that she feared for her safety and the safety of her children. She alleged Plaza had controlled her movements, isolated her from family and friends, monitored her through cameras, taken her phone and prevented her from leaving with the children.

Weeks later, according to prosecutors, Plaza stabbed Rutka-Plaza to death inside their home while two of their young sons watched.

Some observers privately questioned whether Michel wanted to avoid presiding over Plaza’s hearing because of the public criticism surrounding his earlier decision to deny the restraining order request.

Of course, it is possible Michel is genuinely ill or had a preplanned vacation day. But his absence on the very day Plaza’s permanent bail is expected to be set is certain to fuel speculation from those who believe Michel may not have wanted to face the victim’s family or public scrutiny over his prior involvement in the case.

The case has already intensified criticism of Kenosha County’s bail practices and Michel’s reputation for low bonds.

Prosecutors allege Plaza, 33, stabbed Rutka-Plaza repeatedly, struck her with a blunt object and left her in the basement with a knife lodged in her eye area. Two young boys, ages 5 and 2, reportedly witnessed part of the attack.

After fleeing, Plaza was eventually found hiding in the basement of Salon Suites by Hair Unlimited at 2300 75th St., where Chief Patrick Patton, Deputy Chief Brent Sagedal, Inspector Aaron Dilhoff and Lt. Adam Jurgens personally wrestled him into custody.

Now, all eyes will be on Henry this afternoon to see whether she keeps the bail at $750,000, raises it or lowers it.