On Sunday, a judge and his wife sustained injuries from gunfire in their home located in suburban Indiana. Officials indicate that the assailant is still at large, prompting a significant multi-agency investigation.
Judge Stephen Meyer of Tippecanoe Superior Court and his wife, Kimberly, were attacked at their residence on Mill Pond Lane in Lafayette shortly before 2:30 p.m., as reported by local police.
According to authorities, the 66-year-old judge suffered an injury to his arm, while Kimberly was wounded in her lower back.
A 911 caller described an unsettling incident where someone knocked at their door, claiming to have the couple’s dog, just before gunfire erupted through the door, based on an audio tape of the call.
Both Judge Meyer and his wife received medical treatment at a local hospital and are said to be in stable condition, with the judge remaining hospitalized on Monday, according to Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush.
Law enforcement recovered a shell casing from the scene. As of Sunday evening, no arrests had been made, and little information about the assailant’s motives or description has been released.
Justice Rush, expressing her relief that the couple survived, highlighted her concerns for the safety of judges. She noted the importance of feeling secure while serving, given that judges resolve over a million cases annually. “Violence against judges and their families is completely unacceptable,” she added.
In a show of gratitude, Kimberly Meyer expressed her appreciation for the support from the community and thanked the medical staff who assisted them post-incident.
The investigation is being conducted by a coalition of local law enforcement, including the Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the FBI.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and report any information regarding the shooting or the suspect to their local sheriff’s department.
Judge Meyer recently announced plans to retire at the conclusion of 2026, after spending 12 years on the bench at Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2. Interestingly, he also served on the Lafayette City Council for 23 years before his judicial appointment, as noted by local news sources.
