LaFayette, Indiana — A shooting incident on Sunday afternoon left a local judge and his wife injured at their home, prompting widespread concern within the community and the judiciary. The incident occurred shortly after 2:15 p.m. on Mill Pond Lane, where police discovered Steven Meyer, a Tippecanoe Superior Court 2 judge, and his wife, Kimberly Meyer, both of whom had sustained gunshot wounds.
Authorities reported that Steven Meyer was shot in the arm while Kimberly Meyer was struck in the hip. Fortunately, both victims are currently in stable condition following the incident. Justice Loretta H. Rush of the Indiana Supreme Court expressed her relief in a letter to fellow judges, acknowledging the couple’s survival while emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
“Their health and well-being are of utmost concern to me,” Rush stated. Her sentiments reflect a growing unease among judges regarding personal safety amid rising violence against those in the legal profession.
As the investigation unfolds, the shooter remains unidentified and at large. Justice Rush articulated her worries for the safety of all judges, highlighting the importance of feeling secure while managing a staggering caseload of over one million cases annually across the state. She stressed that violence against judges or their families is intolerable.
In a statement issued through the local police department, Kimberly Meyer expressed gratitude for the community’s support and the swift response of emergency services. “We have received immense kindness and compassion from everyone,” she said. Kimberly also extended her appreciation to the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and the medical team that assisted them after the incident.
Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski condemned the shooting, calling it a “senseless, unacceptable act of violence.” This sentiment resonates with a broader concern about public safety, particularly for those in positions of authority.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local law enforcement in the ongoing investigation, amplifying efforts to quickly apprehend the suspect. As details continue to emerge from the incident, the community remains on alert, reflecting deep concern for the safety of its public servants.
As this situation develops, local leaders and residents alike are rallying together to ensure not only the recovery of the Meyers but also to bolster security measures for those who serve the public in the justice system.