A Wisconsin teenager has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his parents, carried out as part of a bizarre plan to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The sentencing took place on Thursday in Waukesha County Circuit Court.
Nikita Casap, 18, admitted to killing his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, in January. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, while seven other charges, including corpse concealment and theft, were dismissed.
Judge Denies Parole Possibility
Presiding over the hearing, Judge Ralph Ramirez described the crimes as “horrific” and “inexplicable,” opting to impose two life sentences without the possibility of parole. He expressed uncertainty about Casap’s potential for rehabilitation, stating, “I choose to find he’s not eligible for extended release because I do not know … when and if and whether a profound and significant change can occur.”
Details of the Crime
According to court documents, the murders took place around February 11, 2025, at the family home in Waukesha. Casap stayed with the decomposing bodies for two weeks before taking off with $14,000, jewelry, and other belongings, including the family dog. Authorities apprehended him in Kansas on February 28 after a brief period on the run.
Federal investigations revealed that Casap had plotted to assassinate Trump using a drone equipped with explosives. He had communicated his plans to various individuals, including a Russian speaker, and penned a manifesto outlining the assassination and a vision to overthrow the U.S. government.
Prosecutors’ Concerns
District Attorney Lesli Boese argued against Casap’s release, citing his dangerousness. She referenced FBI interviews revealing his addiction to “disturbing websites” and interests in serial killers and school shootings. Boese detailed Casap’s plan to attack Trump with a drone, which involved acquiring explosives from online contacts, who ultimately scammed him.
Defense’s Plea for Parole
Casap’s legal counsel, Paul Rifelj, requested parole eligibility after 20 years, attributing his client’s actions partly to a psychological impact from a 2024 attack in Germany. Rifelj suggested that Casap was manipulated by online acquaintances who fueled his violent ambitions.
Casap’s Statement
During the hearing, Casap expressed remorse and spoke about his relationship with his mother and stepfather. He acknowledged his obsession with violent thoughts, stating, “I thought I was part of a revolution. I thought I was part of a war. I told myself bad things had to happen.”
