A quiet Sunday afternoon shattered for Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, at their Lafayette, Indiana home. An unknown assailant arrived at their door, uttering the chilling words, “We have your dog,” before opening fire through the wood and glass.
Both Judge Meyer and his wife sustained gunshot wounds – he to the arm, she to the hip – and were rushed to a local hospital. The attack, a shocking breach of security, marked the first recorded instance of violence directed at the judge during his twelve years on the bench.
Investigators have found no prior record of threats against Judge Meyer or any emergency calls originating from his residence. The motive behind the brazen shooting remains a terrifying mystery, and the assailant remains at large.
Judge Meyer, a Democrat, recently announced he would not seek reelection in 2026. However, his recent high-profile case involving Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan with dwarfism, has drawn intense scrutiny.
The case centered around Michael and Kristine Barnett, who adopted Grace at age six, only to later allege she was an adult masquerading as a child. They successfully petitioned a court to change her official birth year from 2003 to 1989, effectively declaring her an adult.
Years of accusations followed, with both the Barnetts and Grace claiming abuse. The Barnetts eventually moved Grace to an apartment before fleeing to Canada with their biological children, a story that captivated the nation.
During Michael Barnett’s trial, Judge Meyer insisted Grace be referred to as an adult, adhering to the court’s previous ruling on her age. He also issued a gag order after the couple appeared on national television, attempting to control the narrative surrounding the complex case.
Michael Barnett was acquitted, and charges against Kristine Barnett were later dismissed by Judge Meyer. Despite the intense public interest and the unusual circumstances of the case, Natalia Grace has not been named a suspect in the shooting.
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush expressed deep concern for the safety of all judges, emphasizing the need for vigilance and security in the face of such violence. She underscored the unacceptable nature of any attack on a judge or their family.
Kimberly Meyer, recovering from her injuries, publicly thanked law enforcement for their swift response and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community. The outpouring of kindness has been a source of strength during this difficult time.
Lafayette’s mayor condemned the shooting as a “senseless, unacceptable act of violence,” pledging full support for the ongoing investigation. Multiple agencies, including the FBI, are collaborating to identify and apprehend the shooter.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and contact the Lafayette Police Department. The search for answers continues, as the community grapples with the shock and fear of this violent intrusion.
