Five Arrested After Indiana Judge and Wife Shot at Home, Suspect Linked to Motorcycle Gang
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A shocking attack on a sitting judge and his wife has led to the arrest of five individuals allegedly connected to a motorcycle gang, according to local authorities. Judge Steven Meyer and his wife Kimberly were shot at their Lafayette home on Sunday, an incident that has sent ripples through the Indiana legal community and raised concerns about the safety of public officials.
The Lafayette Police Department confirmed in a news release that five suspects were taken into custody following the shooting. Among those arrested is Thomas Moss, 43, who was scheduled to stand trial in Judge Meyer’s courtroom just days after the attack. Moss is reportedly a high-ranking member of the Phantom Motorcycle Club, a gang known for its criminal activities in the region.
Alongside Moss, the arrested individuals include Blake Smith, 32, and Amanda Milsap, 45, both residents of Lafayette, Indiana, as well as Raylen Ferguson, 38, and Zenada Greer, 61, from Lexington, Kentucky. Authorities have not disclosed the specific charges against each suspect but have indicated that the shooting is linked to the upcoming trial involving Moss.
Dispatch audio obtained from the incident reveals that the suspected gunman spoke briefly to Judge Meyer and his wife before opening fire, underscoring the calculated nature of the attack. Fortunately, both victims survived the shooting, but the motive appears to be directly tied to the judicial proceedings Moss was to face.
This brazen assault on a judicial officer highlights the risks faced by those upholding the rule of law, especially when confronting organized criminal groups. The United States Courts have protocols to protect judges, but incidents like this underscore the need for ongoing vigilance.
The involvement of a motorcycle gang in this violent incident is consistent with patterns observed by law enforcement agencies nationwide. The Department of Justice has long monitored outlaw motorcycle gangs due to their involvement in drug trafficking, violent crimes, and intimidation tactics aimed at disrupting judicial processes.
Local authorities are continuing their investigation, coordinating with federal agencies to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has resources dedicated to gang-related violence and is likely to be involved given the nature of the suspects.
Judge Meyer’s role in presiding over the trial of a high-ranking gang member placed him in a vulnerable position, and this attack sends a chilling message to the justice system. However, officials have expressed their commitment to ensuring that such intimidation tactics do not undermine the legal process.
Community leaders and legal professionals have rallied in support of Judge Meyer and his wife, emphasizing the importance of protecting those who serve in the judiciary. The incident has also sparked discussions about enhancing security measures for judges and their families.
As the investigation unfolds, the arrests mark a significant step toward justice for the victims and reaffirm the resolve of law enforcement to combat gang violence. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
For more information on judicial security and gang-related investigations, visit the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives websites.
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