A quiet Sunday afternoon shattered for Judge Steven Meyer and his wife, Kimberly, when gunfire erupted at their Lafayette home. The couple was targeted in a brazen shooting, leaving the community reeling and authorities scrambling for answers.
Police swiftly arrested five individuals in connection with the attack: Thomas Moss, Blake Smith, Amanda Milsap, Raylen Ferguson, and Zenada Greer. The timing of the shooting is particularly unsettling, as Moss was due to stand trial in Judge Meyer’s courtroom just days later.
Dispatch audio reveals a chilling detail: before opening fire, the assailant allegedly announced, “We have your dog.” This unsettling statement adds a layer of calculated cruelty to the already shocking event. Both Judge and Mrs. Meyer are currently in stable condition.
Investigators quickly focused on Blake Smith, discovering he had recently purchased a firearm matching the one used in the shooting. A partial serial number provided a crucial lead in tracing the weapon.
The investigation uncovered connections between the suspects and organized crime. Moss is identified as a “high-ranking member” of the Indiana chapter of the Phantom Motorcycle Club, described by authorities as a gang. He also has a history with the Vice Lord gang.
Smith is also reportedly affiliated with the Phantom Motorcycle Club, deepening the web of connections surrounding the shooting. Both Smith and Moss had pending cases before Judge Meyer, raising questions about potential motives.
Moss faced serious charges, including domestic battery, unlawful possession of a firearm, intimidation, and criminal recklessness. His trial, scheduled to begin shortly after the shooting, centered around incidents dating back to 2024.
Court records paint a disturbing picture of Moss’s alleged behavior towards his ex-wife. In June 2024, she reported being struck with a broomstick, followed by a threat of further violence if she didn’t comply with his demands.
The abuse allegedly continued, with Moss reportedly telling his ex-wife she was a “slave” and threatening to harm her. A prior incident in 2022 involved allegations of Moss firing shots into the floor during a domestic dispute.
Adding another layer to the case, Moss’s ex-girlfriend claims Amanda Milsap offered her $10,000, allegedly on behalf of Moss and the gang, to refrain from testifying in the upcoming trial. This suggests a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
Police records reveal Moss has a substantial criminal history, including convictions for battery causing serious injury, reckless endangerment with a weapon, and property crimes. This history underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential danger he posed.
The investigation continues to unravel the complex relationships and motives behind this targeted attack, leaving the community to grapple with the unsettling reality that violence can strike even in the most unexpected places.
