The Brief A man faces life in prison for allegedly stalking and killing his ex-partner in St. Francis. Court records show victim Kiana Pliska filed restraining order paperwork prior to her death. Advocates record at least 21 domestic violence homicides this year and stress safety planning.



Milwaukee County prosecutors accuse a man of killing his ex-girlfriend hours after she filed paperwork for a restraining order against him. Domestic violence prevention advocates say having a plan when seeking help can save lives.

Charges filed

In court:

Randall Lenyard entered a Milwaukee County courtroom Wednesday to face charges of first-degree intentional homicide and stalking. Family identified the victim as 32-year-old Kiana Pliska.

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The shooting happened outside an apartment near Lake and Packard in St. Francis last week, just a few hours after court records show Pliska had filed restraining order paperwork against Lenyard.

Help for domestic violence victims

What they're saying:

Getting an advocate's help is a crucial step domestic violence prevention advocates say can protect survivors.

 It's one part of the safety plans a survivor needs to be constantly updating and thinking about with the help of an advocate,  Carmen Pitre, president and CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center, said.

Court records show Pliska had reported a number of incidents in the restraining order application - like Lenyard placing an AirTag on her car, showing up to her residence and putting her hands on her.

Kiana Pliska

How does a restraining order work? Pitre said, if a court grants one, it can be in place for anyone from four to 10 years, depending on the situation.

Pitre also said it means the person needs to stay away from the individual filing the order, but it also comes with challenges.

 We have instances where people walk through a restraining order and disregard it and cause harm anyway, and we have had some homicides in my career happen,  said Pitre.

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