Photo Released by the Waukesha County Jail
(New York, New York) – A Wisconsin teenager who authorities say murdered his parents in order to steal money and fund an assassination attempt against Donald Trump has pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, a move that could send him to prison for life.
Nikita Casap, 18, entered the guilty plea Thursday in Waukesha County Circuit Court for the killings of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer. The teen appeared visibly shaken as he acknowledged to the judge that he understood the consequences of his plea and admitted to carrying out the shootings.
Prosecutors say Casap killed his parents in their Waukesha home in February last year, then remained in the house with their bodies for weeks before fleeing the state. Investigators allege he stole roughly $14,000 in cash, along with jewelry, passports, a firearm, and his stepfather’s SUV before driving cross-country. He was arrested nearly two weeks later during a traffic stop in Kansas.
Federal investigators later uncovered evidence suggesting the murders were part of a broader plot. According to court records, Casap had written a manifesto calling for the assassination of President Trump and discussed plans involving explosives, drones, and potential escape routes. Authorities also say he communicated with others about the plot, including at least one individual who appeared to be a Russian speaker.
Under Wisconsin law, each homicide conviction carries a mandatory life sentence, though the judge has discretion to allow parole eligibility after 20 years. The district attorney has said she will argue against any possibility of parole, calling Casap a continued danger to the public. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5.
