Nikita Casap Sentenced to Life for Killing Parents in Waukesha

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to murdering his mother and stepfather in 2025 to fund a plot to assassinate a politician.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Nikita Casap, 18, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the February 2025 murders of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer Jr., in their Waukesha, Wisconsin home. Casap pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, admitting he shot his parents to obtain their money, credit cards, and jewelry to fund a plan to assassinate President Donald Trump or another politician.

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing threat of radicalization and political violence, especially among young people. Casap's actions were driven by a misguided belief that killing his parents would help finance a terrorist plot, raising concerns about the vulnerability of teenagers to extremist ideologies.

The details

According to authorities, Casap shot his mother three times as she entered their home and his stepfather once in the back of the head while he was working. Casap then remained in the home for two weeks before fleeing in his stepfather's car. He was later arrested in Kansas and extradited back to Wisconsin. Prosecutors said Casap acted alone in planning and carrying out the murders, despite being in contact with two foreign individuals who promised to provide him with a drone and help him evade police.

  • On or about February 11, 2025, Casap killed his mother and stepfather in their Waukesha home.
  • On February 28, 2025, Waukesha County sheriff's deputies found the bodies during a wellness check requested by family members.
  • In early March 2025, Casap was arrested in Kansas and extradited back to Wisconsin.

The players

Nikita Casap

An 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide for the murders of his mother and stepfather.

Tatiana Casap

Nikita Casap's mother, who was shot three times as she entered their Waukesha home.

Donald Mayer Jr.

Nikita Casap's stepfather, who was shot once in the back of the head while working in his den.

Judge Ralph Ramirez

The Waukesha County Circuit Court judge who sentenced Casap to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lesli Boese

The Waukesha County District Attorney who presented details of the case against Casap.

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What they’re saying

“In a single act of unimaginable violence, the defendant erased not just one life, but two, and permanently shattered every family relationship connected to me.”

— Michael Divona, Childhood friend of Donald Mayer (jsonline.com)

“Their lives were taken in an act of senseless and unforgiveable violence. For more than a year, we have struggled to make sense of it. There is no reason that can justify such an ultimate dread. My family is forever broken. There will never be another holiday, celebration or gathering where we are whole again.”

— Robert Kitchell, Brother of Donald Mayer (jsonline.com)

“As much as anyone, I knew that my mom and Donald were kind loving people. This was the mother I killed. The person who loved me... What I did was vile. What I did was thoughtless. What I did was wrong.”

— Nikita Casap (jsonline.com)

What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Casap to life in prison without the possibility of parole means he will not have the opportunity for extended supervision or release in the future.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and intervention around the radicalization of young people, as well as the devastating impact that political violence can have on families and communities. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of extremism before they lead to such senseless acts of violence.