Five suspects have been arrested in a coordinated multi-state conspiracy to murder an Indiana judge and his wife, in a chilling attack that exposes the growing danger facing our judiciary and the criminals willing to target those who uphold law and order.
Story Highlights
- Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, were shot at their Lafayette home after suspects used a dog ruse to lure them to the door
- Five individuals arrested face serious charges including attempted murder and conspiracy, with three from Lafayette and two from Kentucky, indicating organized criminal coordination
- The rapid four-day investigation involved the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local agencies conducting hundreds of investigative hours across state lines
- Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice warns about unacceptable judicial violence as enhanced courthouse security measures are implemented statewide
Coordinated Attack on Judicial Family
Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, became victims of a calculated ambush on January 18, 2026, when suspects knocked on their Lafayette home door claiming to have found their dog. The attackers fired multiple shots through the door, striking Judge Meyer in the arm and Kimberly in the hip.
Dispatch audio captured the deceptive tactic used to draw the couple into the line of fire. Both victims were transported to a hospital in stable condition, demonstrating the brazen willingness of criminals to target those who serve the justice system and their families in their own homes.
Multi-State Criminal Conspiracy Uncovered
Lafayette Police, working alongside the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service, arrested five suspects on January 22 following an intensive investigation. Raylen Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky; Thomas Moss, 43, of Lafayette; and Blake Smith, 32, of Lafayette face the most serious charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated battery, and intimidation.
Two additional suspects, Amanda Milsap, 45, of Lafayette, and Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, Kentucky, were charged with obstruction of justice and assisting criminals.
The charge structure reveals a hierarchical conspiracy with direct perpetrators and facilitators working across state lines to execute and cover up this attack on our judicial system.
Threats to Judicial Independence
This coordinated assault represents a direct attack on the foundation of our justice system and the rule of law conservatives hold sacred. Criminal defense attorney Jonna Spilbor noted that judges face numerous potential suspects from defendants who blame them for sentences or guilty verdicts, creating a dangerous environment for those tasked with upholding justice.
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush issued a statement emphasizing that violence against judges or their families is completely unacceptable, expressing concern for all judges who peacefully resolve over one million cases annually. This attack underscores the vulnerability of public officials who make difficult decisions to protect our communities from criminals.
ARRESTED:
5 people are now in custody accused of attempted murder and bribery in the shootings of Tippecanoe County Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer.
Raylen Ferguson, Thomas Moss and Blake Smith face multiple charges including attempted murder, conspiracy to… pic.twitter.com/fMXNzPe1cf
— Angela Ganote (@angelaganote) January 23, 2026
