Judge Shot at Home to Dodge Trial

Hand holding gavel in courtroom setting.

A defendant allegedly orchestrated a shooting on an Indiana judge at his home just two days before jury selection to dodge trial, exposing raw vulnerabilities in America’s judicial system.

Story Snapshot

Five arrested for attempted murder of Judge Steven Meyer and wife Kimberly after targeted home shooting in Lafayette, Indiana.
Attack linked directly to Thomas Moss’ upcoming trial for violent felonies in Meyer’s court.
Shooter Raylen Ferguson identified via surveillance gait analysis; gun bought days earlier by accomplice Blake Smith.
Swift arrests followed extensive investigation; cases reassigned to special judge amid statewide security alerts.
Judiciary responds with webinars for 200 judges, underscoring need for enhanced protections.

Attack Unfolds on Sunday Afternoon

Raylen Ferguson, 38, from Lexington, Kentucky, knocked on Judge Steven Meyer’s Lafayette home door on January 19, 2026, claiming he sought his lost dog. Moments later, he fired multiple shots through the closed door. Meyer sustained an arm wound; his wife Kimberly a hip injury. Both survived and stabilized in hospital. Surveillance footage captured Ferguson’s masked face and distinctive wobbly gait, matching prior suspicious visits.

Suspects Plot to Derail Justice

Thomas Moss, 43, faced Judge Meyer’s Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2 for 2024 charges: unlawful firearm possession by a violent felon, shooting into a building, domestic battery with a deadly weapon. Meyer denied Moss’ final continuance request. Prosecutors charge Moss masterminded the hit to delay jury selection set for January 21. Blake Smith, 32, from Lafayette, bought the gun in early January. Zenada Greer, 61, from Kentucky, aided Ferguson’s travel; a second unnamed woman assisted too.

Charges and Rapid Investigation Breakthrough

Lafayette police and Tippecanoe prosecutors built an extensive case. Three men—Moss, Ferguson, Smith—face attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, with gang enhancements for some. Two women charged with assisting a criminal, bribery, obstruction of justice. Arrests announced January 22 after pre-shooting clues: fake food delivery knock at Meyers’ home matching the attack pattern. Greer’s home saw a masked visitor with identical gait days prior.

Judicial Response Fortifies Defenses

Tippecanoe judges issued a January 19 statement assuring court continuity. Meyer released a personal note January 21, thanking supporters and affirming faith in the system. Chief Justice Loretta Rush alerted all Indiana judges January 18 about the at-large shooter. She hosted a January 23 webinar with Judge Sean Persin and security expert James Hamilton, drawing nearly 200 attendees to discuss protections. Rush declared violence against judges unacceptable as courts handle over 1 million cases yearly.

Cases Reassigned Amid Recovery

A January 23 hearing rescheduled Moss’ original trial. Special judge appointment looms January 26. All five suspects now face proceedings before this new judge, compounding Moss’ felonies with severe new counts likely extending sentences. Meyer family heals with community backing. Lafayette residents grapple with safety fears in their Purdue University-adjacent city. Prosecutors hail the plot as a concerted trial impediment; Moss’ attorney Chris Eskew urges courtroom focus over media.