Lafayette, Indiana, January 24, 2026
Five individuals have been arrested following the shooting of Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, at their Lafayette home. The attack, which occurred when a man posed as a dog seeker, left both victims injured but in stable condition. The suspects face multiple serious charges, including attempted murder, with the investigation revealing connections to gangs and obstruction attempts.
Lafayette, Indiana – Five Arrested in Shooting of Judge and Wife
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, at their Lafayette home on January 18, 2026. The attack left both victims injured but in stable condition.
Details of the Shooting
On the afternoon of January 18, 2026, a man approached the Meyers’ residence, claiming to be searching for his dog. When Steven Meyer responded, the individual fired gunshots through the door, injuring both him and his wife. The assailant fled the scene, and authorities recovered shell casings from the area. Both victims were treated for their injuries and are currently in stable condition.
Investigation and Arrests
Following an extensive investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies, five individuals were arrested:
- Raylen Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky – Charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated battery.
- Thomas Moss, 43, of Lafayette, Indiana – Charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated battery. Moss was previously facing charges in Judge Meyer’s court for domestic battery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a violent felon.
- Blake Smith, 32, of Lafayette, Indiana – Charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated battery.
- Amanda Milsap, 45, of Lafayette, Indiana – Charged with bribery and obstruction of justice. Milsap allegedly offered $10,000 to Moss’s ex-girlfriend to prevent her from testifying against him.
- Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, Kentucky – Charged with assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
Investigators determined that Ferguson, an affiliate of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation gang, and Greer traveled from Lexington to Lafayette prior to the shooting. Surveillance footage and DNA analysis linked Ferguson to the crime scene. Additionally, Smith was found to have purchased a firearm matching the one used in the attack.
Background Context
The shooting has raised concerns about the safety of judicial officials. Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush urged judges to remain vigilant, emphasizing that any violence against judges or their families is unacceptable. The incident underscores the challenges faced by the judiciary in ensuring the safety of its members while upholding the law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the shooting of Judge Steven Meyer and his wife?
On January 18, 2026, a man approached the Meyers’ residence in Lafayette, Indiana, claiming to be searching for his dog. When Steven Meyer responded, the individual fired gunshots through the door, injuring both him and his wife. The assailant fled the scene, and authorities recovered shell casings from the area. Both victims were treated for their injuries and are currently in stable condition.
Who were arrested in connection with the shooting?
Five individuals were arrested: Raylen Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky; Thomas Moss, 43, of Lafayette, Indiana; Blake Smith, 32, of Lafayette, Indiana; Amanda Milsap, 45, of Lafayette, Indiana; and Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, Kentucky. They face various charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
What is the background of the suspects involved?
Ferguson is an affiliate of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation gang. Moss and Smith are associated with the Phantom Motorcycle Club, which has ties to the Vice Lords street gang. Moss was previously facing charges in Judge Meyer’s court for domestic battery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a violent felon. Milsap allegedly offered $10,000 to Moss’s ex-girlfriend to prevent her from testifying against him, and Greer is accused of assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of judicial officials?
In response to the incident, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush urged judges to remain vigilant, emphasizing that any violence against judges or their families is unacceptable. The incident underscores the challenges faced by the judiciary in ensuring the safety of its members while upholding the law.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | January 18, 2026 |
| Location | Lafayette, Indiana |
| Victims | Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer |
| Suspects Arrested | Raylen Ferguson, Thomas Moss, Blake Smith, Amanda Milsap, Zenada Greer |
| Charges | Attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, bribery, obstruction of justice |
| Injuries | Steven Meyer: arm injury; Kimberly Meyer: hip injury |
| Current Status | Both victims in stable condition; suspects in custody |
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