On Sunday afternoon, January 18th, a shooting incident occurred in Lafayette, Indiana, leaving a judge and his wife injured, prompting local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to launch a joint investigation.
The victims were Indiana Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife Kimberly Meyer. The couple was shot at their home on Mill Pond Lane, with the judge sustaining a gunshot wound to his arm and his wife being shot in the hip.
Authorities found shell casings at the scene, and both victims have received medical treatment with their conditions currently stable.
The shooting incident is still under investigation, with the Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, West Lafayette Police Department, Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation all involved in the inquiry.
Following the incident, Kimberly Meyer released a statement through the police, thanking the investigators and emergency responders. She expressed gratitude for the work done by all agencies involved in the investigation and the overwhelming support from the community. She also expressed confidence in the investigation being conducted by the Lafayette Police Department and thanked the medical personnel who cared for and assisted them after the incident.
Chicago’s FOX 32 TV station reported a letter from Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush to all judges in the state, expressing concern for the safety of all judges. Chief Justice Rush emphasized the necessity for judges to not only feel safe but also ensure their actual safety while handling cases. She condemned any violence towards judges or their families as completely unacceptable, urging judicial professionals to heighten their awareness and strengthen their security measures.
She also offered prayers for a swift recovery for the Meyer couple and suggested that judges maintain communication with local law enforcement agencies to enhance security measures.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski also made a statement, condemning the “senseless and unacceptable acts of violence” and pledging to continue bolstering law enforcement efforts. He extended heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Meyer family, assuring the community that all available resources are being utilized to bring the perpetrator of this senseless and unacceptable act of violence to justice.
He expressed confidence in the Lafayette Police Department and thanked all local, state, and federal agencies assisting in the investigation. Authorities have not announced any arrests yet and urge anyone with information to contact the Lafayette Police Department at 765-807-1200 to provide tips.
According to a report from the New York Post, Judge Meyer was elected in 2014 and had previously served 23 years on the Lafayette City Council, bringing with him extensive experience in public service.
Additionally, as reported by The Washington Post, Judge Meyer presided over a case in 2025 involving a shooting accident caused by improper gun storage, sentencing a man to 40 years in prison. The man failed to safely secure a firearm, leading to his girlfriend’s 5-year-old child gaining access to the gun and accidentally killing his own 1-year-old son. The tragic nature of the case and the severity of the sentencing garnered widespread coverage by local media.
Judge Meyer also handled the case of Natalia Grace Barnett, a dispute involving a Ukrainian-born child and identity controversy, which garnered substantial media coverage across the United States.
(This article referenced a report from FOX NEWS)