Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Parents, Faces Life Sentences
In a significant legal development, an 18-year-old from Wisconsin, Nikita Casap, has admitted to the murder of his parents, agreeing to a plea deal that results in two mandatory life sentences. Casap appeared in Waukesha County Circuit Court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide concerning the deaths of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer. This plea led to the dismissal of seven additional charges, including theft and hiding a corpse.
Judge Ralph Ramirez, overseeing the proceedings, explained that each homicide charge demands a life sentence. However, he might allow Casap eligibility for parole after serving 20 years per count, with sentencing set for March 5. Throughout the hearing, Casap displayed visible signs of distress, affirming his understanding of the charges presented by the judge with a simple “Yes, your honor.”
Public defender Joseph Rifelj, representing Casap, confirmed the plea arrangement but refrained from further comments outside of court. Conversely, District Attorney Lesli Boese emphasized her intention to hold Casap accountable, asserting that the dual life sentences reflect adequate punishment for his actions.
Boese further expressed her stance on parole eligibility, stating her opposition due to the perceived threat Casap poses, emphasizing, “He is a danger to the community and that she didn’t want to take any chances that he could be rehabilitated.”
Details from the criminal complaint paint a grim picture, suggesting that Casap committed the murders in their Waukesha residence around February 11. He then reportedly coexisted with the bodies for several weeks before absconding to Kansas in his stepfather’s SUV, carrying $14,000 in cash, jewelry, and the family dog. His journey concluded with a traffic stop on February 28, leading to his arrest.
Federal investigations have uncovered a more complex narrative, indicating Casap’s potential motives for the murders were to secure funds for an alleged plot to assassinate then-President Donald Trump. Authorities disclosed that he had procured a drone and explosives, even sharing his plans with others, including a Russian speaker. A federal search warrant revealed he penned a manifesto advocating for Trump’s assassination and a government overthrow.
The investigation uncovered messages on Casap’s cellphone from January 2025, discussing his plans to evade capture and seek refuge in Ukraine. One message queried the likelihood of leading a normal life in Ukraine, even if his actions were discovered.
These revelations have added layers of complexity to the case, underscoring the severity of Casap’s actions and the broader implications of his intended plans.
