Five individuals have been arrested following a multi-state investigation into the January 18 shooting of Indiana Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, at their Lafayette home. Both victims sustained injuries and were reported to be in stable condition. The arrests include charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, bribery, and obstruction of justice, resulting from a collaborative effort by numerous law enforcement agencies.
Incident Details
On January 18, Judge Steven Meyer, serving in Tippecanoe Superior Court 2, and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, were shot at their residence on Mill Pond Lane in Lafayette, Indiana. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene around 2:17 p.m. Shell casings were recovered. An emergency dispatch recording indicated the incident began with a knock at the door, someone claiming to have their dog, followed by a shot fired through the door. Judge Meyer sustained an arm injury, and Kimberly Meyer sustained a hip injury. Both were treated and reported to be in stable condition.
Law Enforcement Response and Arrests
The investigation involved a joint effort by multiple agencies, including the Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office, West Lafayette Police Department, Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and police departments in Lexington, Kentucky, and Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The investigation led to the arrest of five individuals:
- Raylen Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky, was arrested on charges of attempted murder in the first degree, conspiracy to commit murder, gang enhancement, and firearm enhancement.
- Thomas Moss, 43, of Lafayette, was arrested on charges of attempted murder in the first degree, conspiracy to commit murder, gang enhancement, and firearm enhancement. He was identified as a "habitual offender."
- Blake Smith, 32, of Lafayette, was arrested on charges of attempted murder in the first degree, conspiracy to commit murder, gang enhancement, and firearm enhancement. He was identified as a "habitual offender."
- Amanda Milsap, 45, of Lafayette, was arrested on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice.
- Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, Kentucky, was arrested on charges of assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
Victims' Status and Statements
Following the incident, both Judge Steven Meyer and Kimberly Meyer were reported to be in stable condition.
Judge Steven Meyer issued a statement expressing gratitude for community support. He stated, "This violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes. I remain confident we have the best judicial system in the world, and I am proud to be a part of it."
Kimberly Meyer expressed confidence in the ongoing Lafayette Police investigation and thanked all assisting agencies, medical personnel, and the community for their support.
Official Responses
Tippecanoe County Sheriff Robert Goldsmith confirmed that additional security measures would be implemented at the courthouse. He also stated that authorities were not aware of any specific threats against the judge or other courthouse personnel.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski conveyed support for the Meyer family and assured the community that all available resources were being utilized to apprehend those responsible for the incident.
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush commented on the safety of judges, expressing concern and emphasizing that "Any violence against a judge or a judge's family is completely unacceptable." She highlighted judges' dedication to the rule of law, expressed gratitude for the judge and his wife surviving, and urged state judges to maintain vigilance regarding their security.
Court cases in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, are proceeding as scheduled. The state Supreme Court Office of Judicial Administration has been prepared to provide assistance.
Judge Meyer's Background
Judge Steven Meyer was first elected to the state bench in 2014. He currently serves in Tippecanoe County Superior Court 2. He had previously announced his intention not to seek re-election in November and to retire at the end of his current term. Before his judicial career, Judge Meyer practiced law in the Lafayette area for 30 years and served as a member and former president of the Lafayette City Council.