Five people have been arrested in connection with the shooting of Indiana judge Steven Meyer and his wife Kimberly at their home in Lafayette. Police say three suspects face attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges for the 18 January attack, which was allegedly intended to disrupt a jury trial scheduled to begin two days later.
The suspects identified are Raylen Ferguson, Thomas Moss, and Blake Smith. Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky, is believed to be the shooter, while Smith, 32, of Lafayette, allegedly purchased the firearm used. Moss, also from Lafayette, was the defendant in the trial that Judge Meyer was set to preside over. Police are pursuing gang and firearm enhancements against the three, and describe Moss and Smith as habitual offenders.
Two additional suspects face lesser charges: Amanda Milsap, 45, of Lafayette, is accused of bribery and obstruction of justice for allegedly attempting to pay $10,000 to a victim in Moss's case not to testify. Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, is charged with assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice for allegedly helping Ferguson travel to Lafayette around the time of the shooting.
According to a sworn statement, the Meyers were shot through their closed front door after a masked man claimed to be looking for a dog. Judge Meyer was wounded in the arm, and his wife in the hip. Both are recovering, and Judge Meyer expressed gratitude for support, stating the violence would not shake his faith in the judicial system.
The case has raised concerns about judicial safety, with Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush urging judges to remain vigilant. The shooting follows the September 2024 killing of Kentucky judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers.
