A quiet Sunday afternoon in Lafayette, Indiana, turned into a crime scene after a judge and his wife were shot in their own home — sparking a sweeping manhunt involving local, state, and federal authorities.
Judge Steven Meyer, who serves on the Tippecanoe Superior Court, was shot in the arm, and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, was struck in the hip. The attack took place around 2:15 p.m. at their residence on Mill Pond Lane, and both victims are reported to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention.
According to police, shell casings were recovered at the scene, but no suspects have been named and no arrests have been made. The shooting has prompted a multi-agency investigation that includes the Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, West Lafayette Police Department, Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office, and the FBI.
As the investigation ramps up, Kimberly Meyer released a statement through the police, thanking both law enforcement and the community.
“I have great confidence in the Lafayette Police Department’s investigation and want to thank all the agencies involved for their work,” she said. “We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community; everyone has been so kind and compassionate.”
An urgent manhunt is underway after Indiana Judge Steven Meyer and his wife were shot inside their Lafayette home. Both are in stable condition. The shooting comes amid a rise in threats against judges and elected officials. @AaronKatersky has the latest. https://t.co/hmCNetSnQO pic.twitter.com/1tuDY77yx4
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) January 20, 2026
She also extended gratitude to the medical staff who treated them in the aftermath.
Fox 32 in Chicago confirmed Steven Meyer’s position as a judge via a letter from Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush addressed to judges statewide.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it a “senseless unacceptable act of violence.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Meyer family,” the mayor said. “I want to ensure the community that every available resource is being used to apprehend the individual(s) responsible.”
The incident adds to a disturbing pattern of attacks on members of the judiciary nationwide, with recent high-profile cases involving judges being targeted in both Kentucky and California. While police have not released any motive or potential leads, the involvement of the FBI signals the case is being taken with the utmost seriousness.
No timeline has been given for arrests, but pressure is mounting for answers. The judge’s bench may be a symbol of justice — but this weekend, it was the target of a gunman.
