Suspected gunman uttered 4 words before shooting Indiana judge and wife: dispatch audio

A terrifying incident unfolded on a quiet Sunday afternoon in Lafayette, Indiana, as a gunman wounded a judge and his wife, leaving the community on edge. According to dispatch audio obtained by Fox News Digital, the shooter engaged in conversation with the victims prior to the attack.

The suspect, who has yet to be apprehended, approached the home of Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly Meyer. He reportedly knocked on their door, claiming, “We have your dog,” before discharging a firearm through the door. This unexpected and violent encounter resulted in Steven Meyer suffering a gunshot wound to his arm, while Kimberly Meyer was hit in the hip. Both were swiftly taken for medical care and are now in stable condition.

While the exact number of shots fired remains uncertain, law enforcement confirmed the discovery of shell casings at the scene. As of now, no arrests have been made, nor has a suspect description been released to the public.

The incident has prompted a comprehensive investigation, drawing the combined efforts of several agencies, including the Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, the West Lafayette Police Department, the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office, and the FBI. With such a high-profile case, local, state, and federal authorities are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this shocking attack on an esteemed member of the judiciary and his spouse.

Judge Steven Meyer

The unsettling nature of the crime has gripped residents of Lafayette, as they await further updates from officials determined to bring the perpetrator to justice and restore a sense of security to the community.

The shooting remains an active investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Lafayette Police Department, Indiana State Police, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, the West Lafayette Police Department, the Tippecanoe County Prosecutor’s Office and the FBI.

police officer outside home where shooting happened

The shooting unfolded at 2:15 p.m. at the couple’s home on Mill Pond Lane in Lafayette, Indiana, on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Ron Wilkins/Journal & Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Steven Meyer is a Tippecanoe Superior Court judge, FOX32 Chicago reported, citing a letter from Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush to judges statewide.

Kimberly Meyer spoke out following the shooting, thanking investigators and first responders in a statement through police.

“I have great confidence in the Lafayette Police Department’s investigation and want to thank all the agencies involved for their work,” she said, in part. “We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community; everyone has been so kind and compassionate.

Tippecanoe County Courthouse in Lafayette, Indiana

Steven Meyer is reportedly a superior court judge in Tippecanoe County. The courthouse, pictured above, is in downtown Lafayette, Indiana. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, File)

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski called the shooting a “senseless, unacceptable act of violence” and pledged continued law enforcement efforts.

Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Lafayette Police Department at 765-807-1200.

You May Also Like
National Guardsman Natravien Landry pleads guilty to fatal shooting of soldier he found in bed with his ex-girlfriend

National Guardsman Natravien Landry Pleads Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Soldier Found With Ex-Girlfriend

A former U.S. Army National Guard soldier has admitted to fatally shooting…
Trump calls 'incredible' UFC event 'one of the most exciting days in the history' of the White House

Trump Hails UFC Event as One of the White House’s Most Exciting Days

President Trump praised Sunday night’s “UFC Freedom 250” event on the White…
Khamenei's 'target-rich' funeral is Iran’s biggest security gamble, sends message to US: expert

Khamenei’s “Target-Rich” Funeral: Iran’s High-Stakes Security Gamble and Warning to the U.S.

Iran’s decision to schedule a state funeral in July for Supreme Leader…
Detroit sisters accused of stabbing restaurant worker after wrong food order

Detroit Sisters Charged After Allegedly Stabbing Restaurant Worker Over Wrong Food Order

Two Detroit sisters — one of whom was nine months pregnant at…
Chicago weather: NWS confirms up to 17 tornadoes hit Illinois, Indiana last Thursday

NWS Confirms as Many as 17 Tornadoes Struck Illinois and Indiana Last Thursday

CALUMET CITY, Ill. (WLS) — The National Weather Service has verified that…
UFC Fighter Sean Strickland Escorted Out of UFC Fan Fest Event

Sean Strickland Escorted Out of UFC Fan Fest: What Happened at the Shocking Event?

UFC middleweight Sean Strickland was escorted from a UFC fan fest event…
Anti-G7 protest turns violent as demonstrators torch Tesla and smash UN office windows

Anti-G7 Protest Erupts in Violence as Demonstrators Burn Tesla, Shatter UN Office Windows

Protesters in Geneva set a Tesla ablaze and shattered windows at a…
Mitch McConnell hospitalized with mystery ailment

Mitch McConnell Hospitalized With Unexplained Health Issue: What We Know So Far

Sen. Mitch McConnell was taken to a hospital Sunday morning, though officials…
Mexican police investigate body found outside Tijuana Estadio Caliente stadium where Iran prepares for World Cup

Tijuana Police Probe Body Found Outside Estadio Caliente as Iran Trains Ahead of World Cup

Mexican authorities are investigating after a body was discovered outside a stadium…
California's newest congressman plots massive secession of rural areas to form new state: 'Serious'

California’s New Congressman Backs Serious Push to Split Off Rural Counties Into a New State

California’s newest member of Congress is renewing a long-running effort to split…
Missouri skydiving plane crash that killed all 12 aboard is a 'devastating loss,' company says

Missouri Skydiving Plane Crash Kills 12; Company Calls It a “Devastating Loss”

Skydive Kansas City, the company linked to the Missouri plane crash that…
Carolina Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 to win the Stanley Cup

Hurricanes Shut Out Golden Knights in Game 6 to Clinch Stanley Cup Title

The Carolina Hurricanes captured their first Stanley Cup title in 20 years…