Parents Killed in Trump Attack Plan
A Wisconsin teenager who murdered his parents as part of a disturbing plan to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case shocked investigators and the public alike due to the extreme nature of the crime and the motive behind it.
The defendant, 18-year-old Nikita Casap, pleaded guilty earlier in 2026 to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for the 2025 killings of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer, in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Prosecutors said Casap shot both victims inside their home in February 2025 as part of a larger plan to obtain money and independence to carry out a violent political attack.
Investigators revealed that the teenager’s motive went far beyond family conflict. According to court documents and prosecutors, Casap intended to use his parents’ money to fund a plot to assassinate President Donald Trump. Authorities said he believed the attack could trigger a broader political revolution and destabilize the U.S. government.
The evidence uncovered during the investigation showed that Casap had written a manifesto describing his political beliefs and outlining a violent strategy targeting Trump. Federal investigators found communications in which he discussed the plan with people online, including an individual who spoke Russian. Prosecutors said the teenager was actively seeking equipment such as drones and explosives that could be used to carry out the attack.
According to prosecutors, Casap originally planned to attach an AK-47 rifle to a drone or drop explosives on the president during a public appearance. After the attack, he allegedly intended to flee the United States and hide in Ukraine for years. Authorities said he showed little concern about potential collateral casualties and told investigators he would not have cared if others near Trump had been injured or killed during the attack.
The murders themselves were particularly disturbing. After killing his mother and stepfather, Casap reportedly remained in the home with their decomposing bodies for about two weeks before fleeing. He then drove across the country in his stepfather’s vehicle, taking cash, jewelry, passports, and the family dog with him.
His escape ended when authorities located him in Kansas on February 28, 2025. Investigators recovered digital evidence, writings, and online communications that outlined his extremist beliefs and assassination plan. Prosecutors argued that the murders were carefully planned in order to secure the financial resources and freedom necessary to carry out the plot.
During court proceedings, the defense acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes but asked the judge to consider Casap’s youth and psychological vulnerability. His attorney argued that the teenager had been radicalized online and was struggling with mental health issues. The defense requested that Casap be given a chance at parole later in life rather than spending the rest of his life behind bars.
However, Waukesha County Circuit Judge Ralph Ramirez ultimately rejected the request. In sentencing Casap, the judge emphasized the brutality of the killings and the calculated nature of the broader plot. He concluded that the severity of the crimes justified a life sentence without the possibility of extended supervision, which is Wisconsin’s equivalent of parole.
During sentencing, Casap reportedly expressed remorse for the murders, telling the court he had believed he was participating in a revolutionary cause and that “bad things had to happen.” Prosecutors argued that his ideological motivations and willingness to kill family members demonstrated a high level of danger to the public.
The case highlights the growing concern among law enforcement agencies about online radicalization and the role of extremist communities on the internet. Investigators say that digital platforms and encrypted communications can sometimes help individuals develop violent ideologies or connect with others who encourage extremist actions.
Authorities also noted that the case underscores the importance of monitoring threats against political leaders. While many threats are never carried out, investigators treat them seriously because even a single credible plan can have devastating consequences.
With Casap now sentenced to two life terms without parole, prosecutors say the case has reached its legal conclusion. However, the disturbing circumstances surrounding the crime continue to raise questions about youth radicalization, online extremism, and the risks posed by individuals motivated by political violence.
Key Legal Outcomes
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Nikita Casap pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for killing his mother and stepfather.
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A Wisconsin judge sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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Prosecutors established that the murders were committed to fund a planned assassination attempt against President Donald Trump.
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Investigators uncovered a manifesto and online communications outlining the planned attack.
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Additional charges related to hiding bodies and theft were dropped as part of a plea agreement.
Why This Matters
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Demonstrates how extremist ideology and online radicalization can influence violent crimes.
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Highlights the seriousness of threats against political leaders and how law enforcement investigates them.
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Shows the legal consequences of premeditated family homicide tied to political violence.
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Raises concerns about young offenders being influenced by extremist online networks.
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Reinforces the role of courts in addressing crimes linked to domestic extremism and terrorism-related plots.
