A judge serving in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and his wife are recovering after a brazen shooting at their suburban home on Sunday afternoon. The assailant, who remains unidentified and at large, fired through their front door after a deceptive knock.
Violent Attack at Judge's Residence
The incident occurred at the couple's residence on Mill Pond Lane in Lafayette at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2026. According to authorities, the sequence of events began when an individual knocked on the door and stated they had the couple's dog. Moments later, a shot was fired through the door, striking both occupants inside.
Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 Judge Steven Meyer, 66, sustained a gunshot wound to his arm. His wife, Kimberly Meyer, was shot in the hip. Emergency services were alerted via a 911 call, and both victims were swiftly transported to a local hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
Ongoing Manhunt and Investigation
As of Monday, the suspected shooter has not been apprehended. Law enforcement officials have released little information regarding a possible motive or a physical description of the suspect. Shell casings were recovered at the scene, providing crucial forensic evidence.
A major joint investigation is underway, involving multiple agencies:
- Lafayette Police Department
- Indiana State Police
- Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office
- West Lafayette Police Department
- Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush issued a statement expressing deep concern. "I am deeply grateful he and his wife Kim are alive after having been shot in their home. Any violence against a judge or a judge's family is completely unacceptable," she stated, highlighting broader safety fears for judicial officers.
Community Support and Recovery
In a statement, Kimberly Meyer conveyed her confidence in the police investigation and thanked the community for its overwhelming support. "We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community; everyone has been so kind and compassionate," she wrote, also extending gratitude to the medical personnel who treated them.
Judge Meyer, who recently announced his plan to retire at the end of 2026 after 12 years on the bench, remained hospitalized in stable condition on Monday. Chief Justice Rush has urged the public to remain vigilant and contact the local sheriff with any information related to the shooting.
