Judge and His Wife Survive Home Shooting in Indiana
In a shocking incident that has rocked the suburban community of Lafayette, Indiana, Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 Judge Steven Meyer and his wife Kimberly were shot and wounded at their home on Sunday afternoon. The couple fell victim to a deceptive ploy when someone knocked on their door claiming to have found their dog, only to fire shots through the door moments later. This brazen attack on a public servant has prompted a large-scale investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies including 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 community grapples with this violence, the suspect remains at large, leaving residents on edge and authorities searching for answers.
The shooting occurred just before 2:30 PM at the Meyers’ residence on Mill Pond Lane, leaving Judge Meyer, 66, with an arm injury and his wife Kimberly with a hip wound. According to emergency dispatch recordings obtained by CBS, the perpetrator used a ruse about the couple’s dog to get them to open the door before firing. Both victims were transported to a local hospital in stable condition, with Judge Meyer still receiving medical care as of Monday. The attack on a respected judicial figure has sent ripples through Indiana’s legal community, with shell casings recovered from the scene providing potential evidence for investigators working to identify and apprehend the shooter.
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush expressed both relief and concern in her statement following the incident, noting her personal connection to Judge Meyer as “a fellow judge and a longtime friend.” Her comments highlighted the broader implications of such violence against judicial officials, emphasizing that “any violence against a judge or a judge’s family is completely unacceptable.” Chief Justice Rush’s remarks reflect the tension that exists for judges who must “not only feel safe” but “also be safe” while resolving more than one million cases annually across the state. Her statement underscores the fundamental importance of protecting those who uphold the rule of law in society, particularly as they carry out their duties as public servants.
Despite the trauma of the experience, Kimberly Meyer issued a gracious statement expressing “great confidence” in the police investigation and gratitude for the community’s support. Her words conveyed appreciation for the “kind and compassionate” response from neighbors and friends during this difficult time, and she specifically thanked the medical personnel who provided care following the shooting. This response demonstrates remarkable resilience in the face of what must have been a terrifying ordeal, while also highlighting the strong community bonds that exist in Lafayette. As authorities continue their investigation, they have urged residents to remain vigilant and to contact their local sheriff with any information that might help identify the suspect or shed light on the motive behind this attack.
The attack comes at a significant moment in Judge Meyer’s career, as he had recently announced plans to retire at the end of 2026 after completing twelve years of service on the Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 bench. His extensive background in public service extends beyond his judicial role, having served on the Lafayette City Council for 23 years before being elected as a judge. As a graduate of the Indiana University School of Law, Meyer has dedicated decades of his life to serving his community, making this violent assault all the more disturbing to those who know and respect his work. The timing raises questions about whether his professional duties might have motivated the attack, though authorities have yet to release information about potential motives.
As this investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public officials, particularly those in the judicial system who often make decisions that significantly impact people’s lives. The shooting of Judge Meyer and his wife calls attention to the broader issue of increasing threats and violence against judges nationwide. While law enforcement agencies work diligently to solve this case and bring the perpetrator to justice, the Lafayette community remains united in support of the Meyer family during their recovery. The attack not only represents a crime against two individuals but stands as an assault on the justice system itself—a sobering reality that has prompted renewed discussions about the safety and security of those who serve in our courts and the measures needed to protect them as they carry out their essential civic duties.
