Five Arrested in Indiana Judge and Wife Shooting Case
Five individuals have been arrested as part of an extensive investigation into the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife. The incident occurred on January 18, when Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, were attacked in their home in Lafayette around 2:17 p.m. Both victims are now in stable condition after sustaining injuries.
Details of the Arrests
Lafayette Police announced the arrests following an intensive investigation involving hundreds of hours of work. The suspects include:
- Raylen Ferguson, 38, from Lexington, Kentucky
- Thomas Moss, 43, from Lafayette
- Blake Smith, 32, from Lafayette
- Amanda Milsap, 45, from Lafayette
- Zenada Greer, 61, from Lexington, Kentucky
Charges Faced by Suspects
The primary suspects, Ferguson, Moss, and Smith, face serious charges, including:
- Attempted murder in the first degree
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Gang enhancement
- Firearm enhancement
Moss and Smith have also been identified as “habitual offenders.” Milsap is charged with bribery and obstruction of justice, while Greer faces charges of assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice.
Cooperation Among Law Enforcement Agencies
The arrests were made through collaboration among multiple agencies. They included law enforcement from Lexington, Pennsylvania, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Statements from Judge Steven Meyer
Judge Steven Meyer, elected in 2014, expressed gratitude for the community’s support. He emphasized his confidence in the judicial system, stating, “This horrific violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes.”
Concerns from Indiana Chief Justice
Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush voiced her apprehension regarding the safety of judges. She stated that violence against judges and their families is unacceptable, asserting the importance of safety in the judiciary’s crucial role in resolving legal matters.
Retirement Plans
Judge Meyer recently announced he would not seek re-election in November and intends to retire. He has practiced law in Lafayette for three decades and is a former president of the Lafayette City Council.