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

Nikita Casap, 18, pleaded guilty to murdering his mother and stepfather to obtain funds for a failed plan to kill the former president with a drone.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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An 18-year-old Wisconsin man, Nikita Casap, was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for killing his mother and stepfather in 2025 in order to fund his plan to assassinate former President Donald Trump using a bomb dropped from a drone. 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 lengths some individuals will go to in order to carry out political violence. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of weapons and explosives, as well as the role of online radicalization in fueling such plots.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Casap shot and killed his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, at their home in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in February 2025. He then stole $14,000 in cash, jewelry, passports, and his stepfather's gun, and fled the state in his stepfather's SUV. Casap was eventually arrested in Kansas after four days on the run. Federal authorities accused Casap of planning the murders in order to obtain the financial means to carry out his plot to assassinate Trump using a drone and explosives. Casap had been in contact with others online, including a Russian speaker, about his plans 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 the state on February 28, 2025.
  • Casap was arrested during a traffic stop in Kansas on February 28, 2025, after four days on the run.

The players

Nikita Casap

An 18-year-old Wisconsin resident who pleaded guilty to killing his mother and stepfather in order to fund a failed plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump.

Tatiana Casap

Casap's mother, who was killed by her son in February 2025.

Donald Mayer

Casap's stepfather, who was also killed by Casap in February 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Children are more than their worst deeds.”

— Paul Rifelj, Casap's attorney (Court proceedings)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater mental health resources, intervention, and support for young people who may be vulnerable to radicalization and extremist ideologies. It also highlights the importance of robust security measures to prevent individuals from obtaining weapons and explosives for use in political violence.