Wisconsin Teen Pleads Guilty to Murdering Parents
An 18-year-old from Wisconsin may face a life sentence after admitting in court that he killed his parents to steal their money for a plan to assassinate President Trump.
Nikita Kazap, visibly shaken, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide before Judge Ralph Ramirez in Waukesha County Circuit Court. He confirmed, “Yes, sir,” when asked if he understood the consequences of his plea and whether he had shot his mother, Tatiana Kazap, and stepfather, Donald Meyer.
Under the plea deal, prosecutors dropped seven additional charges, including concealing a corpse and theft. Investigators believe Kazap shot his parents in their Waukesha residence around February 11, subsequently living with their bodies for weeks.
After taking around $14,000 in cash, jewelry, a firearm, a passport, and even the family dog, he allegedly fled across the country in his stepfather’s SUV. Authorities apprehended him during a traffic stop in Kansas on February 28.
Federal search warrants uncovered a manifesto penned by Kazap, which detailed his intentions to assassinate the president and plotted to overthrow the U.S. government. Allegations also surfaced regarding his plans to acquire drones and explosives, as well as communication with others, including Russian speakers.
The federal warrant noted that the murders seemed motivated by a desire for financial independence to execute these drastic plans. Disturbing messages found on Kazap’s phone suggested he had been inquiring about how long he would need to hide before potentially being extradited to Ukraine.
Questions arose in those messages, such as whether one could return to a ‘normal life’ after committing such acts. Each murder charge carries a mandatory life sentence, yet Judge Ramirez may have the option to grant parole eligibility after 20 years.
District Attorney Lesli Boese highlighted her aim for Kazap to take responsibility for his actions. She expressed her intention to argue against any potential parole, labeling him a “danger to the community” and a candidate unlikely to be rehabilitated.
Kazap’s sentencing is set for March 5.
