A Wisconsin teenager is accused of shooting his parents to death and then living with their bodies for two weeks before fleeing with stolen cash, guns, and their SUV—only to be caught by a simple traffic violation 800 miles from home.
Key Takeaways
- Nikita Casap, 17, allegedly shot and killed his mother and stepfather on February 11, then continued living in their Waukesha home with their corpses for two weeks.
- Authorities discovered the bodies on February 28 after suspicious text messages prompted a welfare check, leading to charges of first-degree intentional homicide.
- Casap was arrested in Kansas after running a stop sign while driving his stepfather’s SUV with $14,000 cash, the murder weapon, and evidence showing plans to potentially flee to Ukraine.
- A classmate reported that Casap had discussed his murder plans beforehand, threatened her to keep quiet, and later sent her “gory images.”
- Evidence includes video footage of Casap with one of the bodies and a calculated attempt to evade capture by traveling through multiple states.
Gruesome Discovery and Flight Attempt
Seventeen-year-old Nikita Casap stands accused of murdering his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, in their Waukesha, Wisconsin home on February 11. According to prosecutors, after shooting both parents, Casap continued his daily routine for approximately two weeks, living among their decomposing bodies. The grisly crime only came to light on February 28 when Mayer’s mother requested a welfare check after receiving strange text messages supposedly from her son, prompting authorities to discover the bodies.
Law enforcement officials report that Casap eventually fled the home with his stepfather’s SUV, $14,000 in cash, and a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum—believed to be the murder weapon. His escape was short-lived. After traveling approximately 800 miles from Wisconsin, Casap was apprehended in Kansas when he ran a stop sign, leading to a routine traffic stop that uncovered his identity and outstanding warrants.
🚨 LIVE! Horrific case unfolding in Waukesha Wisconsin. 17-year-old Nikita Casap was arrested & charged with the murder of his 36-year-old mom Tatiana Casap & his 52-year-old stepdad Donald Mayer.
Prosecutors say he shot them both & then lived with their corpses for over a week… pic.twitter.com/oodME4ggtS
— JLR© (@JLRINVESTIGATES) March 31, 2025
Evidence of Premeditation and Strange Behavior
Prosecutors have uncovered disturbing evidence suggesting the murders were premeditated. A classmate told investigators that Casap had disclosed his plans before carrying them out and later threatened her to maintain her silence. The classmate also reported receiving “gory images” from Casap after the killings. Additionally, investigators discovered a camera memory card containing video footage of Casap lighting candles near his stepfather’s body, indicating a calculated and disturbing demeanor after committing the crimes.
“It appears this individual was trying to flee the jurisdiction—not only this state, but this country,” said Waukesha County Court Commissioner Christopher Bailey.
During the two weeks following the murders, Casap was absent from school without any excused absences, raising no immediate concerns from authorities. Investigators found that Casap had searched online for fake license plates for the SUV and had discussions about potentially relocating to Ukraine, indicating a sophisticated escape strategy. Phone records reveal travel through multiple states, further supporting the prosecution’s contention that he was attempting to flee the country.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Initially arrested on vehicle and weapon charges, Casap now faces far more serious accusations, including two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, hiding corpses, theft, and identity misappropriation. Court documents detail the brutal nature of the killings, with prosecutors alleging that Casap shot his mother in the neck and stomach and executed his stepfather with a shot to the back of the head. In recognition of the severity of the crimes and flight risk, a judge increased Casap’s bail from $250,000 to $1 million.
When authorities searched the SUV following Casap’s Kansas arrest, they discovered not only the murder weapon but also the victims’ driver’s licenses and spent shell casings, providing physical evidence linking him directly to the killings. Additional items found in Casap’s possession included substantial cash, suggesting preparations for extended time on the run. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 9, where prosecutors will present their evidence against the teen in what has become a shocking case that has stunned the Waukesha community.
