A significant development has occurred in the case involving the shooting of a judge and his wife in Lafayette, Indiana. On Wednesday, local authorities announced the arrest of a sixth individual connected to the incident. The Lafayette Police Department reported that 23-year-old Nevaeh Bell was apprehended in relation to the January 18 shooting that injured Tippecanoe County Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer and his spouse, Kim.
Bell faces multiple preliminary felony charges, including two counts of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. The arrest marks another step in a complex investigation that has already led to the detention of five others last month, described by the Lafayette Police Department as a “coordinated, multi-state operation” requiring extensive investigative efforts.
The individuals arrested prior to Bell’s detention include 38-year-old Raylen Ferguson and 61-year-old Zenada Greer from Kentucky, along with Indiana residents Thomas Moss, 43, Blake Smith, 32, and 45-year-old Amanda Milsap. Authorities allege that members of a motorcycle club and a street gang targeted Judge Meyer. The motive for the shooting, according to police, was to disrupt a domestic abuse case involving Moss, a member of the Phantom MC motorcycle club with connections to the Vice Lords street gang.
Moss faces various violent felony charges dating back to June 2024 and was out on bond at the time of the incident. Court records indicate that his trial before Judge Meyer was scheduled for January 20, just two days after the shooting.
The attack on January 18 resulted in injuries to both Meyer and his wife. Steven Meyer suffered an arm injury, while Kimberly Meyer received a hip injury. The police report included details from an emergency dispatch recording, which revealed that the shooting occurred after someone knocked on their door, falsely claimed they had the Meyers’ dog, and then fired a shot through the door.
Following the incident, Kim Meyer expressed confidence in the police investigation and gratitude for community support. In a statement, she said, “We are also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the community; everyone has been so kind and compassionate. We would especially like to thank the medical personnel who provided care and assistance to us following the incident.”