An Indiana judge and his wife were shot in broad daylight at their home—and now five suspects are in custody as police unravel what they describe as a “coordinated and violent” plot.
Tippecanoe County Judge Steven Meyer and his wife Kimberly were both wounded in the bizarre and chilling attack at their Lafayette home on January 18. Police say the shooter knocked on the door around 2:15 p.m. before declaring, “We have your dog,” and opening fire through the door.
Judge Meyer suffered an arm injury; his wife was hit in the hip. Thankfully, both survived and are now in stable condition, according to the Lafayette Police Department.
Five suspects are now facing a slew of charges after what investigators say was a calculated act of violence with no known warning signs. Among those arrested: Raylen Ferguson, 38, and Zenada Greer, 61, both from Lexington, Kentucky, and three Indiana residents—Thomas Moss, 43, Blake Smith, 32, and Amanda Milsap, 45.
Ferguson, Moss, and Smith face the most serious charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery, and intimidation with a deadly weapon, along with gang and firearm enhancements. Moss and Smith are also labeled “habitual offenders.”
5 arrested in shooting of Indiana judge and wife — and one suspect offers possible clue about motive https://t.co/QsEGlFECOw pic.twitter.com/2DxOyYKAzj
— New York Post (@nypost) January 23, 2026
Greer and Milsap face lesser but still serious charges—Greer for assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice, and Milsap for bribery and obstruction.
Police say there was no prior warning. “This was the first recorded act of violence against Judge Meyer,” a department spokesperson confirmed, adding there had been no 911 calls or reported threats prior to the incident.
Photos released by authorities show four of the suspects. Blake Smith was not pictured.
“This horrific violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes,” Judge Meyer said in a statement Wednesday, breaking his silence after the attack. He added that he remains confident in the American judicial system and expressed gratitude for the support pouring in.
Officials say the arrests stemmed from a “comprehensive, collaborative effort” between local, state, and federal agencies. But many questions remain—most notably, what motivated this brutal and seemingly senseless ambush?
As the investigation continues, the case has sent shockwaves through the community and raised fresh concerns about safety for members of the judiciary.
