Lafayette, Indiana – A senior Indiana judge and his wife were shot and wounded inside their Lafayette home on Sunday afternoon, triggering a multi-agency manhunt and heightened security measures across Tippecanoe County. Authorities say the suspect remains at large as investigators work to determine a motive behind the violent attack.
Incident Overview
The victims were identified as Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, both of whom were injured during the shooting at their residence on Mill Pond Lane. Police confirmed that the couple received immediate medical attention and are currently listed in stable condition.
According to a statement from Loretta H. Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, the shooting occurred Sunday and prompted concern for the safety of judges statewide.
Timeline of Events
Lafayette Police said officers were dispatched to the Meyers’ home on Sunday afternoon following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found both victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical teams provided on-scene treatment before transporting them for further care.
A recording from emergency dispatch later revealed chilling details of the moments leading up to the shooting. The caller reported hearing a knock at the door, followed by someone claiming, “We have your dog,” before a shot was fired through the door.
Shell casings were recovered at the scene, and investigators believe the shooting was deliberate rather than random.
Details From Police and Officials
The Lafayette Police Department described the case as an active and evolving investigation involving multiple agencies, including local and state police, the county sheriff’s office, county prosecutors, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“This remains an active and ongoing joint investigation,” police said, adding that officers are continuing to pursue leads related to the suspect’s identity and whereabouts.
Police confirmed that Judge Steven Meyer sustained an injury to his arm, while Kimberly Meyer was shot in the hip.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victims: Judge Steven Meyer and Kimberly Meyer
- Location: Mill Pond Lane, Lafayette, Indiana
- Date: Sunday afternoon
- Condition: Both victims stable
- Injuries: Arm injury (Steven Meyer), hip injury (Kimberly Meyer)
- Suspect: At large
- Agencies involved: Local police, state police, sheriff’s office, prosecutors, FBI
Statements From the Victims
In a written statement released Monday, Kimberly Meyer expressed gratitude for the swift response and community support following the shooting.
“We have great confidence in the Lafayette Police investigation and thank all the agencies involved,” she said. “We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. Everyone has been so kind and compassionate.”
She also specifically thanked the medical personnel who treated both her and her husband after the incident.
Judicial and Community Response
Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush addressed the broader implications of the attack, emphasizing concerns for judicial safety across Indiana.
“Any violence against a judge or a judge’s family is completely unacceptable,” Rush said. “As you work to peacefully resolve more than 1 million cases a year, you must not only feel safe, you must also be safe.”
She urged judges statewide to remain vigilant while expressing hope for the Meyers’ full recovery.
Meanwhile, Tony Roswarski, Mayor of Lafayette, condemned the shooting and reassured residents that all available resources are being used to find the suspect.
“This was a senseless and unacceptable act of violence,” Roswarski said. “I have tremendous confidence in the Lafayette Police Department and thank all local, state, and federal agencies assisting in this investigation.”
Court Security and Public Safety
In response to the shooting, Tippecanoe County Sheriff Robert Goldsmith announced increased security at the county courthouse for the foreseeable future. Officials said there were no known prior threats against Judge Meyer or other courthouse personnel, but precautions are being taken out of an abundance of caution.
Court operations in Tippecanoe County will continue, with support from the Indiana Supreme Court’s Office of Judicial Administration if needed.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity that could assist in locating the suspect. The shooting has raised renewed concerns about the safety of public officials and their families, even outside official settings.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
