Kentucky Sheriff Charged with Murder in Courthouse Shooting of Judge

Kentucky Sheriff

A judge in rural Kentucky was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers on Thursday, with Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines charged with first-degree murder in the incident. Kentucky State Police reported that Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times following an argument. Mullins, 54, who had served on the bench for 15 years, died at the scene.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the small community of Whitesburg, where the close-knit population of about 1,700 mourns the loss. Lead county prosecutor Matt Butler recused himself from the investigation due to familial ties to Mullins, stating, “We all know each other here.” Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman assured a thorough investigation would be conducted with special prosecutors involved.

Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter expressed shock at the violence, stating the court system was “shaken” by the news. Following the incident, the Letcher County courthouse was closed by the judge-executive.

Mullins was well-known for his advocacy for substance abuse treatment and played a significant role in developing support programs that have been adopted in numerous counties across Kentucky. In the aftermath of the shooting, several local schools were placed on lockdown for safety. The investigation is ongoing, and it is currently unclear whether Sheriff Stines has legal representation.