Authorities have charged a teen and high school student with shooting and killing his parents. He then reportedly lived with the bodies for weeks before making a getaway.
Videos by Wide Open Country
According to a report by the New York Post, Nikita Casap, 17, from Wisconsin, appeared in court on Thursday. He has a list of charges rallied against him, including first-degree intentional homicide. He is also charged with two counts of hiding a corpse. Prosecutors reportedly allege that Casap shot both of his parents. He then hid the bodies under blankets and lived with them for several weeks.
Police caught wind of the situation when Casap was absent from Waukesha West High School for a fortnight. Authorities also report "weird or suspicious" messages from his stepdad's phone, prompting a welfare check at the residence. Per WISN, deputies found two bodies inside the home on February 28. Tatiana Casap and her husband, Donald Mayer.
Authorities in Kansas arrested Casap on the same day police found his parents. He reportedly had $14,000 cash on him and jewelry worth another $14,000.
Investigators Believe The Teen Killed His Parents on February 11
Investigators believe Casap shot and killed his parents on February 11. During the following days, he reportedly messaged his stepfather's employer and family members from his parent's accounts. He communicated with Waukesha West High School in the same way.
It's unclear what triggered Casap to kill his parents. However, a lengthy criminal complaint document suggests the murders were pre-meditated. Casap allegedly told a classmate "he was planning to kill his parents" just weeks before their deaths. He also reportedly threatened to kill this classmate if they said anything. The criminal report says Casap discussed communicating with a man from Russia to "overthrow the U.S. government and assassinate President Trump."
This wasn't just an empty claim either, as he was in contact with a Russian on Telegram. He reportedly spoke about life arrangements after killing his parents. Prosecutors explained that this revelation makes him a flight risk if he is ever released.
On Thursday, Waukesha County Commissioner David Herring told the court, "The highest, highest counts that we have, quite frankly, in our country is what's being alleged here." Casap remains in custody. His legal team reportedly wanted his bond set at $250,000 while prosecutors pushed for a more severe $5 million. The commissioner ultimately set his bond at $1 million.
