Lafayette, Indiana, January 29, 2026
In Lafayette, Indiana, five suspects have been arrested for their involvement in a plot to assassinate Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kim. The incident, which occurred at their home, left both victims injured but alive. The suspects were arrested after a collaborative investigation by local and federal law enforcement agencies. The plot was linked to a domestic abuse case against one of the suspects, Thomas Moss, and aimed to intimidate witnesses. Court appearances for the suspects are scheduled soon.
Lafayette, Indiana – Authorities Arrest Five in Plot to Assassinate Judge
Lafayette, Indiana – Five individuals have been arrested in connection with a plot to assassinate Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kim. The attack occurred on January 18, 2026, at the Meyers’ residence in Lafayette, where both sustained gunshot wounds but survived.
The Lafayette Police Department, in collaboration with the FBI, Indiana State Police, and Purdue University Police Department, conducted an extensive investigation leading to synchronized arrests on January 22. Four suspects were apprehended in Indiana, and one in Lexington, Kentucky. Court appearances for the suspects were scheduled for January 28 in Indiana and Kentucky.
Details of the Attack
According to authorities, the attack was orchestrated to disrupt a domestic abuse case against Thomas Moss, a member of the Detroit-based Phantom MC motorcycle club with affiliations to the Vice Lords street gang. Moss was facing multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious felon and domestic battery, with his trial set to begin on January 20 before Judge Meyer.
Prior to the shooting, the Vice Lords allegedly offered the victim in the case $10,000 to avoid testifying against Moss, but she refused. In response, Blake Smith, another member of the Phantom MC, purchased a shotgun. On January 18, a masked assailant approached the Meyers’ home, claiming to be searching for his dog, and fired through the door, injuring both Judge Meyer and his wife.
Investigation and Arrests
Investigators recovered a mask, clothing, and the shotgun discarded near the Meyers’ residence. DNA evidence on the mask matched Raylen Ferguson, an associate of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation from Lexington, Kentucky. Surveillance footage revealed a vehicle traveling from Kentucky to Lafayette on January 16 and returning to Smith’s residence shortly after the shooting.
The five individuals arrested in connection with the plot are:
- Thomas Moss – Charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
- Blake Smith – Charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
- Raylen Ferguson – Charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
- Amanda Milsap – Charged with bribery and obstruction of justice.
- Zeneda Greer – Charged with assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
Background
Judge Steven Meyer has served as a Superior Court judge in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The attack on him and his wife underscores the lengths to which individuals may go to influence legal proceedings. The coordinated efforts of local and federal law enforcement agencies were instrumental in swiftly apprehending the suspects and preventing further harm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in Lafayette, Indiana?
Five individuals were arrested in connection with a plot to assassinate Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kim. The attack occurred on January 18, 2026, at their residence in Lafayette, where both sustained gunshot wounds but survived.
Who were the individuals arrested?
The arrested individuals include Thomas Moss, Blake Smith, Raylen Ferguson, Amanda Milsap, and Zeneda Greer. They face various charges related to the assassination plot.
What was the motive behind the attack?
The attack was orchestrated to disrupt a domestic abuse case against Thomas Moss, a member of the Detroit-based Phantom MC motorcycle club with affiliations to the Vice Lords street gang. Moss was facing multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious felon and domestic battery, with his trial set to begin on January 20 before Judge Meyer.
How did law enforcement respond?
The Lafayette Police Department, in collaboration with the FBI, Indiana State Police, and Purdue University Police Department, conducted an extensive investigation leading to synchronized arrests on January 22. Four suspects were apprehended in Indiana, and one in Lexington, Kentucky. Court appearances for the suspects were scheduled for January 28 in Indiana and Kentucky.
What charges have been filed against the suspects?
The five individuals arrested in connection with the plot are: Thomas Moss, Blake Smith, and Raylen Ferguson, each charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder; Amanda Milsap, charged with bribery and obstruction of justice; and Zeneda Greer, charged with assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Lafayette, Indiana |
| Victims | Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kim |
| Date of Attack | January 18, 2026 |
| Suspects Arrested | Thomas Moss, Blake Smith, Raylen Ferguson, Amanda Milsap, Zeneda Greer |
| Charges Filed | Attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, bribery, obstruction of justice, assisting a criminal |
| Investigation Agencies | Lafayette Police Department, FBI, Indiana State Police, Purdue University Police Department |
| Trial Date for Moss | January 20, 2026 |
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