Indiana Judge Steven Meyer and Wife Shot: 5 Arrested
In Lafayette, Indiana, five individuals have been arrested related to the recent nonfatal shooting of Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly. The incident, occurring five days ago, has raised concerns regarding the safety of judges and the judiciary.
Details of the Incident
On a Sunday morning, a suspect lured the Meyers to their front door, claiming to have found a lost dog. Once they approached, he shot through the door, injuring both the judge and his wife. Judge Meyer, age 66, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and is currently hospitalized. His wife suffered a leg injury but has since been released from the hospital.
Arrests Made
Lafayette police announced the arrests on Thursday, revealing that three suspects reside in Lafayette while two hail from Lexington, Kentucky. The individuals charged with attempted murder include:
- Thomas Moss, 43 (Lafayette)
- Blake Smith, 32 (Lafayette)
- Raylen Ferguson, 38 (Lexington, KY)
Moss already faces felony charges in a separate case that was due for trial before Judge Meyer in January. His attorney, Benjamin Jaffe, could not be reached for comments regarding the case.
Additional Charges
Two other individuals, Amanda Milsap, 45, and Zenada Greer, 61, both from Lafayette and Lexington respectively, have been charged with lesser offenses, including obstruction of justice.
Judicial Response
The shooting has compelled Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, to caution judges about their safety. She expressed her concerns, stating, “I worry about the safety of all our judges.” This warning comes amidst a trend of rising physical attacks and threats against public officials in recent years.
Judge Meyer’s Background
Judge Meyer, who had planned to retire by the end of the year, has served for 12 years on the bench. Throughout his career, he presided over many high-profile cases and previously served on the Lafayette City Council.
Judge Meyer’s Statement
Despite the violent attack, Judge Meyer remains confident in the judicial system. He expressed, “This horrific 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 part of it.”
This incident has not only impacted the victims but has also ignited conversations about the safety of those working within the judicial system in Indiana and beyond.
