Dad accused of killing mom while 2 kids at home; when son called 911, dad told him to "let her die" (York, Pennsylvania)

Dad FRANCIS PLAZA is accused of killing the mother of their 3 children while 2 were at home. It is reported that Mom wanted to leave him, and that's why he shot her. You fill in the blanks as to why she'd want to leave him...(here's a clue: dad overheard in the background of the 911 call telling the son to "let her die.") If you even make an effort, you'll probably know more than the clueless neighbors ever did. Reporters: Please talk to the kids or Mom's friends or family. I'm sure they can tell you more than the neighbors ever did.

York County Man Accused of Killing Wife with Two Kids at Home is Arraigned
Michael Gorsegner Staff reporter
10:35 AM EDT, September 28, 2009

YORK - The York County man, accused of killing his wife while two of his three children were home, was arraigned this morning. Francis Plaza plead not guilty to first and third degree murder. Judge John S. Kennedy set the next hearing date for November 19, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. That will be a pre-trial conference.

York Area Regional police say this man, 50-year-old Francis Plaza, shot and killed his wife in July while two of his sons, 18 and 7-years of age were at home.

"To find out somebody was shot. That's amazing," said neighbor Mike Trimmer after the crime happened on July 25.

Court documents say, Plaza and his wife, 44-year-old Michelle were having an argument inside their York Township apartment. Investigators think Michelle telling Francis she was leaving him might have lead Francis to shoot her several times.

"It really makes you stop and think what's going on? It's always been a quiet neighborhood. We've never had anything like this happen before," said neighbor Kevin Schnetzka during a July 25 interview.

"A father, two kids and his wife, what happened?" said neighbor Mike Richards during a July 25 interview.

But what happened next may have been the most shocking part. Police say, Francis could be heard in the background of a 9-11 call placed by their 18-year-old son looking for help for his mom. He was heard during the call saying, "Just let her die boy. Let her die."

"They're going to have to live with seeing their mother that way. You know what I mean. That's burned. That's a picture that's painted that's not going to fade," Richards said.

Police say they recovered a gun from the home and after taking Francis Plaza in to custody.

The couple's third son, age 13, was not home at the time of the shooting. Police say, Francis Plaza has admitted to pulling the trigger but said it was not premeditated. He is being charged with one count of criminal homicide.