Waukesha Teen Sentenced to Life for Killing Parents to Fund Trump Assassination Plot

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An 18-year-old from Waukesha, Wisconsin was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for killing his mother and stepfather in 2025 in order to steal their money to fund a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump using a drone. Nikita Casap pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide and was given two life sentences with no chance of parole.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of domestic extremism and the radicalization of young people online, as well as the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. It also raises questions about the availability of firearms and explosives, and the need for better mental health resources and intervention programs to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to prosecutors, Casap shot and killed his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, at their home in Waukesha in February 2025. He then lived with the decomposing bodies for two weeks before fleeing across the country in his stepfather's SUV with $14,000 in cash, jewelry, passports, and his stepfather's gun. Casap was eventually arrested during a traffic stop in Kansas. Federal authorities accused Casap of planning his parents' murders in order to obtain the financial means to carry out a plot to assassinate Trump using a drone and explosives. Casap had been in contact with others online about his plan to overthrow the U.S. government.

• On or around February 11, 2025, Casap allegedly shot and killed his mother and stepfather.
• Casap lived with the decomposing bodies for two weeks before fleeing across the country.
• Casap was arrested during a traffic stop in Kansas on February 28, 2025 after four days on the run.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case has sentenced Nikita Casap to two life sentences with no chance of parole, meaning he will spend the rest of his life in prison.