Indiana Judge and Wife Shot at Home: Police Launch Major Investigation
An Indiana state court judge and his wife are recovering in stable condition after a shocking shooting at their family home in Lafayette. Authorities have launched a major multi-agency investigation to find the suspect or suspects responsible for the violent attack, which has sent ripples of concern through the state's judicial community.
Details of the Attack and Injuries
Steven Meyer, a Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge, and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, were both injured in the shooting on Sunday afternoon. Police responded to reports of gunfire in the residential neighbourhood, located approximately 60 miles north-west of Indianapolis, to find the couple wounded.
Judge Meyer sustained an injury to his arm during the incident, while Kimberly Meyer suffered a hip injury. Both were promptly treated for their wounds by medical professionals. Officers at the scene recovered shell casings, which are now being analysed as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.
Active Police Investigation and Community Response
The Lafayette Police Department has confirmed that the investigation remains highly active and involves collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. At this stage, no motive or suspect description has been released to the public, leaving many questions unanswered.
Mayor Tony Roswarski addressed the community, assuring residents that every available resource is being deployed to apprehend those responsible. He condemned the act as a "senseless unacceptable act of violence" and emphasised the city's commitment to justice.
Victims' Statement and Judicial Safety Concerns
In a statement released on Monday, Kimberly Meyer expressed her gratitude towards the officers and medical teams who assisted her and her husband. She stated that she has "great confidence" in the investigators working on the case.
The shooting has raised significant safety concerns among Indiana's judiciary. Loretta H Rush, the Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, wrote a letter to the state's judges urging them to "please remain vigilant in your own security."
Justice Rush highlighted the critical role judges play in resolving over a million cases annually and stressed that "any violence against a judge or a judge's family is completely unacceptable." Her message underscores the broader anxieties within the legal community following this targeted attack.
