- Five suspects were arrested in connection with the January 18 shooting of Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife at their Lafayette home.
- Moss, Smith and Ferguson face attempted murder, aggravated battery and weapon enhancements, while Milsap and Greer face obstruction and related charges.
- Dispatch audio said a caller used a dog ruse before someone fired through the front door; shell casings were recovered at the scene.
- Judge Meyer, 66, was shot in the arm and his wife in the hip; both are hospitalized, and he intends to remain on the bench.
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA — Five people have been arrested in connection with the January 18 shooting of Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, at their Lafayette home. The couple was shot through the front door and remains hospitalized while investigators continue to examine a possible motive.
Suspects Identified, Charges Announced
Those in custody were identified as Thomas Moss, 43; Blake Smith, 32; and Amanda Milsap, 45, all of Lafayette, Indiana, along with Raylen Ferguson, 38, and Zenada Greer, 61, both of Lexington, Kentucky.
Moss, Ferguson, and Smith were arrested on charges that include attempted murder, aggravated battery, and intimidation with a deadly weapon. Investigators also listed gang and firearm enhancements in the case. Moss and Smith were additionally identified as habitual offenders.
Milsap faces charges including bribery and obstruction of justice. Greer was charged with assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
Possible Clue on Motive Involves Active Court Case
Investigators have not publicly named a motive. Court records show Moss has an active felony case in Judge Meyer’s court that includes nine charges, including allegations of domestic violence, intimidation, and unlawful possession of a weapon by a serious violent felon. Authorities have not said whether that pending case is directly connected to the shooting.
Dog Ruse Mentioned in Dispatch Audio
The shooting unfolded when someone knocked on the Meyers’ door and claimed to have the couple’s dog before a shot was fired through the door, according to dispatch audio referenced in reporting. Shell casings were recovered during the initial response.
Victims Recovering, Investigation Ongoing
Judge Meyer, 66, was shot in the arm. Kimberly Meyer was shot in the hip. Both have been described as recovering at a local hospital.
Investigators said the arrests were the result of a coordinated, multi-agency effort. Police have also stated there were no prior calls for service at the Meyers’ residence and no recorded incidents of threats against the judge before the shooting.
Judge Meyer later issued a statement indicating he intends to remain on the bench, saying the violence would not deter him from his work.
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