Authorities allege Thomas Moss, a high-ranking member of the Phantom Motorcycle Club, conspired to kill Tippecanoe County Judge Steven Meyer and his wife two days before a scheduled trial. Security footage and an affidavit describe a masked attacker firing through the judge's closed front door; both victims were treated and released. Several suspects — including alleged co-conspirators and two people charged with bribery and obstruction — have been arrested and face potential gang- and firearm-related sentence enhancements.
Indiana Judge Shot After Alleged Plot Tied to Motorcycle Club and Failed Attempt to Block Trial Testimony
Steven Meyer, a state judge in Tippecanoe County in Indiana who was hurt in a shooting at his home on January 18, 2026, is shown in Nov. 4, 2014. (The Purdue Exponent via AP file)(The Purdue Exponent via AP file)
A high-ranking member of a motorcycle club is accused of plotting to kill Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his wife after an effort to prevent testimony in a related domestic-abuse case failed, according to a probable-cause affidavit released by authorities.
Allegations and Arrests
The affidavit alleges that 43-year-old Thomas Moss conspired with others to murder the judge and his wife on Jan. 18, two days before a trial was scheduled to begin. Security-camera footage cited in the affidavit shows a masked assailant firing through the closed front door of the Meyers' Lafayette home (northwest of Indianapolis). Both victims sustained injuries and were treated and released from a hospital.
Authorities charged Moss along with Blake Smith, 32, and Raylen Ferguson, 38, with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and other offenses. Prosecutors say the defendants could face enhanced sentences tied to alleged gang activity and firearm offenses if convicted.
Also arrested were 45-year-old Amanda Milsap, on charges of bribery and obstruction of justice, and 61-year-old Zenada Greer, who faces charges of assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice. It was not immediately clear whether any of the defendants had retained attorneys who could comment; an attorney who had previously represented Moss declined to comment.
Alleged Motive and Evidence
The affidavit identifies Moss as a high-ranking member of the Phantom Motorcycle Club, an organization the document describes as an "outlaw" group involved in criminal activity. It also links Moss to a gang affiliated with the Almighty Vice Lord Nation. Court records show Moss had been scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 20 on 2024 charges including domestic battery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the affidavit, weeks before the shooting Milsap allegedly told the alleged victim in Moss's 2024 case that Moss and the Vice Lords offered the woman $10,000 to avoid testifying; the victim refused. Investigators say Ferguson traveled from Kentucky to Indiana with Greer several days before the shooting. Ferguson is alleged to be affiliated with the Vice Lords.
Authorities say Smith — alleged to be a Phantom Motorcycle Club member — purchased a short-barreled shotgun that investigators believe Ferguson used in the attack. Security footage described in the affidavit reportedly shows a man wearing a hooded flannel, earmuffs and a silicone face mask resembling a white man approach Judge Meyer’s front door, claim to be looking for a dog, and then discharge gunfire through the closed door. Investigators later recovered the shotgun, mask and other items nearby.
The affidavit also notes prior surveillance incidents: two days before the shooting, a person with a similar gait knocked at the judge's door carrying a food delivery and left after being told the address was incorrect. The same individual is alleged to have visited the home of the alleged victim in the 2024 case on Jan. 12 wearing what appeared to be a silicone mask, but the occupant did not answer.
Response
"The horrific violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes. I remain confident we have the best judicial system in the world, and I am proud to be a part of it." — Judge Steven Meyer
The investigation remains active. Prosecutors have filed charges and are pursuing potential sentencing enhancements; authorities continue to gather evidence and have not yet proven the allegations in court.
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