A chilling case involving a Wisconsin teenager is gaining national attention following new revelations about the alleged motives behind the deaths of his parents. Nikita Casap, 17, initially charged with first-degree murder, theft, and related crimes in Waukesha County last month, now faces significantly broader federal charges that suggest a far more ambitious and disturbing plot.
Casap is accused of orchestrating the murders of his mother, Tatiana Casap, 35, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, 51. Their bodies were discovered on February 28th following a welfare check prompted by their failure to appear at work and Casap’s prolonged absence from school.
Prosecutors stated that the couple’s remains were in such advanced stages of decomposition that identification required examination of dental records, suggesting weeks passed between the alleged killings and their discovery.
The teenager was apprehended last month in Kansas after fleeing with approximately $14,000 in cash, passports, and the family’s dog. He remains held at the Waukesha County jail on a bond of $1 million, scheduled to appear in court next month to enter a plea.
The scope of the accusations expanded dramatically with the unsealing of a federal warrant detailing Casap’s alleged plans. According to the warrant:
- Federal authorities allege Casap planned his parents’ murders to secure funding and independence for a larger agenda.
- He is accused of purchasing a drone and explosives, indicating preparations beyond simply obtaining financial resources.
- Casap reportedly shared his plans with others, including an individual who speaks Russian.
These allegations are further substantiated by a three-page manifesto attributed to Casap, described as antisemitic and praising Adolf Hitler. The document allegedly outlines a plan to assassinate President Donald Trump and overthrow the U.S. government.
The warrant included excerpts from online communications on TikTok and Telegram which state: “Casap appears to have written a manifest calling for the assassination of the President of the United States. He was in touch with other parties about his plan to kill the President and overthrow the government of the United States.” It further states, “The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carrying out his plan.”
Prosecutors also allege Casap discussed a plan to flee to Ukraine with an individual who speaks Russian. Upon his arrest in Kansas, authorities recovered money, passports, a vehicle, and the family dog.
The manifesto, according to federal investigators, detailed Casap’s motivations for targeting Trump and outlined ideas for establishing a life in Ukraine. The warrant indicates that Casap’s goal was to “spur governmental collapse by ‘getting rid of the president and perhaps the vice president.'”
Casap’s public defender, Nicole Ostrowski, has challenged some charges previously filed, arguing that prosecutors haven’t adequately demonstrated their case. During a court appearance on March 12th, she emphasized her client’s age, stating, “He is young, he is still in high school.”
Beyond the murder and theft charges, Casap also faces accusations of concealing corpses and illegally using identification to acquire funds.
