Indiana judge and wife allegedly shot by 'high-ranking' gang member facing trial in victim's court
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In a startling turn of events, the Lafayette Police Department has taken five individuals into custody following a brazen shooting incident at the home of Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly. Details released by the authorities indicate that one of the suspects was slated to appear for trial in Judge Meyer’s courtroom just days after this alarming attack.

The individuals apprehended include Thomas Moss, 43, Blake Smith, 32, and Amanda Milsap, 45, all hailing from Lafayette, Indiana. Joining them are Raylen Ferguson, 38, and Zenada Greer, 61, both residents of Lexington, Kentucky. Fortunately, Judge Meyer and his wife are reported to be in stable condition, providing some relief amidst the chaos.

According to dispatch audio reviewed by Fox News Digital, the attack took place around 2:15 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. The suspect approached the Meyer residence, knocking on the door before unleashing gunfire through it. The chilling audio reveals the suspect announcing, “We have your dog,” right before the shots were fired.

Further investigation into the incident revealed that Blake Smith had previously purchased a firearm matching the one used in the shooting. Law enforcement connected this through a partial serial number found on the weapon, as outlined in a probable cause affidavit.

Diving deeper into the backgrounds of the accused, authorities disclosed that Smith is closely linked to Thomas Moss, identified as a “high-ranking member” of Indiana’s Phantom Motorcycle Club, a group categorized by officials as a gang. Moss’s past associations also include ties to the Vice Lord gang, while prosecutors confirm Smith’s involvement with the Phantom Motorcycle Club.

Images of suspects who were arrested in investigation into shooting of Indiana judge

The Lafayette Police Department said (L-R) Thomas Moss, Raylen Ferguson, Amanda Milsap and Zenada Greer were arrested after the shooting of Judge Steven Meyer and his wife Kimberly in Lafayette, Ind., Jan. 18, 2026. Blake Smith, who was also taken into custody, is not pictured. (Lafayette Police Department; Ron Wilkins/Journal & Courier/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Smith and Moss have both had cases heard by Judge Meyer, according to records.

Moss was scheduled to appear in court two days after the shooting for a jury trial that Meyer was presiding over regarding charges dating back to 2024.

In June 2024, court records show, Moss was charged with three felony counts of domestic battery, three felony counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two felony counts of intimidation and felony criminal recklessness.

Judge Steven Meyer

An Indiana judge and his wife were wounded in a Lafayette shooting Sunday afternoon as local, state and federal authorities investigate. (Tippecanoe Superior Court)

On June 19, 2024, Moss’s ex-wife, who he was living with at the time, told police Moss hit her with a broomstick in the back of her leg, court documents show. After allegedly hitting her on the back of her leg, Moss said, “He would hit her harder the next time if she did not follow his instructions,” the court records show. One day later, the woman told police that Moss said she was a slave and threatened to “hit her in the head.”

In an October 2022 incident, Moss’ ex-wife alleged that he fired shots into the floor after their son became upset about having to help them get back into the residence because they were locked out. Police said officers found several bullet holes in a closet behind the living room and in the bathroom. The ex-wife told police that Moss had several guns inside the house.

Indiana judge

An Indiana judge and his wife were wounded in a Lafayette shooting Sunday afternoon. Local, state and federal authorities are investigating. (Ron Wilkins/Journal & Courier/USA Today Network via Imagn Images; Indiana.gov)

Moss’ ex-girlfriend claimed that Milsap offered her $10,000 on behalf of Moss and the gang not to testify at the upcoming hearing.

Moss has a lengthy criminal record with convictions, including battery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and criminal trespass, police said in earlier court documents.

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