Investigation Ongoing After Judge and Wife Shot
A criminal defense attorney has noted that Indiana State Police are facing a “long list of potential suspects” as they seek to identify the individual responsible for shooting Judge Stephen Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, in their home.
At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, an unidentified assailant allegedly knocked on the door of the Meyers’ residence. Audio evidence suggests the suspect said, “I have your dog,” before opening fire through the door.
Judge Meyer suffered an arm injury, while Kimberly was shot in the hip. Both were transported to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition, according to the Lafayette Police Department.
Details regarding the number of shots fired remain unclear, although shell casings were located at the scene. The investigation involves several local and federal agencies, including the FBI.
Judge’s Remarks on Community Support
In a statement released Wednesday, Judge Meyer expressed deep gratitude for the support he’s received from friends, family, and the community. He acknowledged the medical team’s excellent care, saying his symptoms are improving and that Kim is also on the mend.
“I want our community to know that I have great faith in our justice system,” he added. “This horrific violence will not shake my belief in peacefully resolving conflicts.”
Judge Meyer is notably linked to the highly publicized case involving Christine and Michael Barnett, who were charged with neglecting Natalia Grace, a refugee from Ukraine. Allegations had surfaced that Grace pretended to be a child.
In 2019, the Barnetts faced multiple charges related to Grace’s care. They maintained that Grace, diagnosed with dwarfism, had misled them about her age, complicating matters since her birth certificate was reportedly lost.
Within a documentary about the case, allegations were made by Michael Barnett regarding Grace’s violent threats against the family. He claimed, “I promise you someone will die within five years.”
Grace has not been linked to the recent shooting and has not faced any charges. It’s worth mentioning that Judge Meyer has presided over various violent crime cases recently.
In July, he sentenced Deonta Johnson to 32 years in prison for a tragic incident in which his one-year-old son was killed when a five-year-old unexpectedly found a gun in their home.
Judge Meyer had also dealt with cases involving other violent offenders, many of whom he had sentenced across multiple serious offenses.
Attorney Jonah Spilver shared insights that defendants often look to blame judges, especially if a conviction drastically alters their lives. “There could be a long list of potential suspects in this shooting,” he noted.
The intent of the suspect remains uncertain. Spilver remarked that the ruse of mentioning a lost dog could have been a tactic to gain entry into the house, raising questions about the planning involved in this incident.
In relation to the Barnett case, public perception of Grace shifted dramatically, especially once evidence emerged regarding her actual age. The community’s initial support for children in such cases tends to be strong, and a change in understanding can alter that dynamic significantly.
