Additional Coverage:
- Indiana judge shooting leaves ‘long list’ of potential suspects days into manhunt: defense attorney (foxnews.com)
Lafayette, IN – A quiet Sunday afternoon was shattered for Judge Steven Meyer and his wife Kimberly when an unknown assailant reportedly knocked on their door, uttering four chilling words: “We have your dog,” before opening fire. The incident, which occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, left the couple injured and sparked a multi-agency investigation involving local, state, and federal authorities.
According to dispatch audio obtained by Fox News Digital, the suspect fired gunshots through the door of the Meyers’ home. Judge Meyer sustained an arm injury, while Kimberly Meyer suffered a hip injury. Both were transported to a local hospital, where they are now in stable condition and recovering.
The Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, West Lafayette Police Department, and the FBI are all actively involved in the ongoing investigation. While police have not disclosed the number of shots fired, shell casings were recovered at the scene.
In his first public comments since the shooting, Judge Meyer released a statement Wednesday, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support. “I am so grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, the community, court colleagues, and law enforcement,” he said.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my medical team. I am receiving excellent care and I am improving.
Kim is also deeply appreciative for the community support, and she too is healing.”
He also reaffirmed his faith in the justice system, stating, “I want the community to know that I have strong faith in our judicial system. This horrific violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes. I remain confident we have the best judicial system in the world, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Criminal defense attorney Jonna Spilbor, in an interview with Fox News Digital, highlighted the extensive pool of potential suspects in such cases. “People blame the judge probably before they blame anybody else, before they blame a prosecutor, before they blame their own attorney, they probably blame the judge,” Spilbor noted.
“So there could be a long list of potential suspects in this shooting.” She added that any ruling that significantly impacts an individual’s life, such as a long prison sentence or asset division in a divorce, could create a motive.
Spilbor also suggested the suspect’s “we have your dog” statement was likely a ruse to get the Meyers to open their door, a tactic often employed to gain access, especially when targeting someone like a judge who might be more cautious.
Judge Meyer has presided over several high-profile and emotionally charged cases, which investigators will undoubtedly be examining. Among these is the bizarre “Natalia Grace” case, involving Kristine and Michael Barnett, who adopted Natalia Grace, a refugee from Ukraine.
The Barnetts accused Grace, who has dwarfism, of faking her age and terrorizing their family. Grace, in turn, accused the couple of abuse.
Judge Meyer presided over Michael Barnett’s jury trial in 2022, where he was found not guilty, and dismissed Kristine Barnett’s charges in 2023. During Michael’s trial, Meyer ruled that Grace was to be referred to as an adult in the courtroom.
It’s important to note that Grace has not been named a suspect in Sunday’s shooting and has not been charged with any crime.
Additionally, Meyer recently sentenced Deonta Johnson to 32 years in prison after Johnson’s 5-year-old son fatally shot his 1-year-old son with an unsecured gun. He also handed down an 85-year sentence to Travion Antoine Barbee for two counts of attempted murder and being a habitual offender.
The investigation into the shooting of Judge Steven and Kimberly Meyer continues, as authorities work diligently to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this brazen attack.