Five Suspects in Custody Following Coordinated Multi-State Arrest Operation
Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the arrest of five individuals in connection with the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife at their Lafayette residence. The arrests were made through a coordinated operation spanning multiple jurisdictions across Indiana and Kentucky, officials announced on Thursday.
Violent Home Invasion Leaves Judicial Couple Injured
The incident occurred on January 18 at approximately 2:15 p.m. when an unidentified man approached the Mill Pond Lane home of Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Steve Meyer and his wife Kim, both aged 66. The assailant reportedly claimed to have found the couple's dog, luring them to their front door before opening fire.
Judge Meyer sustained a gunshot wound to his arm while his wife was struck in the hip. Both victims were transported to hospital for treatment and are currently recovering from their injuries. The shooter fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Suspects Face Serious Felony Charges Across Two States
Three individuals were apprehended in Lafayette, Indiana while two additional suspects were arrested in Lexington, Kentucky. The primary suspect, Thomas Moss, 43, of Lafayette, faces multiple serious charges including suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Court records reveal that Moss had a pending nine-count case before Judge Meyer, with a scheduled court date of January 20. The charges in that case included illegal firearm possession, intimidation, criminal recklessness, and domestic battery. Moss is currently being held without bond at the Tippecanoe County Jail.
Additional Suspects and Charges Detailed
Two other suspects face attempted murder charges alongside additional serious offenses:
- Raylen Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky - charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, firearms offenses, and gang-related offenses
- Blake Smith, 32, of Lafayette, Indiana - facing identical charges to Ferguson
Two additional individuals have been charged with obstruction-related offenses:
- Amanda Milsap, 45, of Indiana - charged with bribery and obstruction of justice
- Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, Kentucky - accused of assisting a criminal and obstructing justice
Judge Issues Statement Expressing Gratitude and Faith in Judicial System
On Wednesday, Judge Meyer released a statement on behalf of himself and his wife, expressing profound gratitude for the community support they have received. "I am so grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, the community, court colleagues, and law enforcement," the judge stated.
He continued: "I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my medical team. I am receiving excellent care and I am improving. Kim is also deeply appreciative for the community support, and she too is healing."
Despite the traumatic experience, Judge Meyer affirmed his continued faith in the judicial system: "I want the community to know that I have strong faith in our judicial system. 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 a part of it."
Investigation Continues as Authorities Seek Additional Information
While law enforcement officials have made significant progress with these arrests, they have not publicly commented on a potential motive behind the shooting. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to contact the Lafayette Police Department directly.
The case highlights the serious risks faced by judicial officials and their families, while demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement operations across state lines in responding to violent crimes against public servants.
