Indiana Judge and Wife Shot After Bizarre 'Dog' Statement from Gunman
A chilling new detail has emerged in the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife on Sunday, with the assailant making a strange statement about their dog moments before opening fire through their front door.
The Disturbing 911 Call Revelation
According to audio from a 911 call obtained by Fox News, the unidentified shooter knocked on the door of Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, at their Lafayette home before declaring, 'We have your dog.' The gunman then fired multiple shots through the door, striking Judge Meyer in the arm and Kimberly Meyer in the hip.
The attack occurred at approximately 2:17pm in Lafayette, a small city situated about 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Both victims were treated for their injuries and are now reported to be in stable condition according to police statements.
Investigation Raises Multiple Questions
The 911 recording has introduced several perplexing elements to the investigation:
- The statement about the dog could represent either a genuine threat or a calculated ruse to prompt the couple to open their door
- The use of 'We' in the statement suggests potential involvement of multiple individuals
- Authorities have recovered shell casings from the scene but have not released any suspect description
The Lafayette Police Department, when approached by The Daily Mail for comment, confirmed the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
Multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating on this case, including:
- The Lafayette Police Department
- The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office
- The West Lafayette Police Department
- The Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Victims and Community Respond to Attack
Kimberly Meyer released a statement through the Lafayette Police Department expressing gratitude for the support received: 'I have great confidence in the Lafayette Police Department's investigation and want to thank all the agencies involved for their work. We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community; everyone has been so kind and compassionate.'
She added appreciation for the medical personnel who provided care following the incident.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski condemned what he called this 'senseless' shooting, promising that 'every available resource' was being directed toward finding those responsible.
Judge Meyer's Background and Current Situation
Steven Meyer has served as judge for Tippecanoe Superior Court No. 2 for over a decade. His judicial career followed extensive community involvement including:
- Service on the Lafayette City Council
- Over 30 years practicing law in the community
- Election in 2014 as a Democrat with 51% of the vote against Republican Rebecca Trent
- Unopposed re-election in 2020 for a term extending through 2026
Judge Meyer's caseload includes major criminal matters such as murder cases, along with divorce proceedings, family law matters, and various civil cases according to the county website.
Judicial Security Concerns Raised
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush addressed judges statewide following the incident, expressing concern about judicial safety: 'I worry about the safety of all our judges. As you work to peacefully resolve more than 1 million cases a year, you must not only feel safe, you must also be safe.'
She emphasized that 'Any violence against a judge or a judge's family is completely unacceptable' and acknowledged judges' dedication to the rule of law as public servants.
Court officials confirmed that discussions are currently underway regarding temporary coverage arrangements for Judge Meyer's judicial duties during his recovery period.
