A sheriff in Eastern Kentucky has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg on Thursday.
According to Kentucky State Police, Judge Mullins, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, was arrested at the courthouse without incident and charged with first-degree murder.
The shooting reportedly occurred following an argument between Stines and Mullins inside the courthouse. Local newspaper The Mountain Eagle reported that Stines was handcuffed in the courthouse foyer following the incident.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences in a social media post, noting the tragic loss and calling for a path to a better tomorrow. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman and Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele have been assigned as special prosecutors to fully investigate the case and seek justice.
Kentucky Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter expressed shock at the act of violence, offering prayers to Judge Mullins’ family and the Letcher County community. He emphasized that the Kentucky court system will support law enforcement during the investigation while ensuring the safety of the Kentucky Court of Justice family.