Kentucky Sheriff Accused Of Fatally Shooting Judge At Courthouse

A Kentucky sheriff has been accused of fatally shooting a district judge at a courthouse Thursday afternoon.

Kentucky State Police, on Thursday night, said Judge Kevin Mullins was in his district office when he was shot, and Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines has been detained in the slaying.

According to NBC News, Stines, a two-term sheriff, is expected to be charged with murder.

As of the time of filing this report, no motive in the shooting had been disclosed.

Investigators are still “trying to get answers to what led up to the actual shooting,” State Trooper Matt Gayheart said at an evening news conference Thursday.

It was gathered that the judge was shot multiple times after an argument with Stines.

Other people were in the building when the shooting occurred, but nobody else was in the judge’s chambers.

Gayheart said Stines surrendered to authorities at the scene, adding that he believes there is surveillance video within the courthouse.

The Letcher County Courthouse is in Whitesburg, about 200 miles southeast of Louisville.

“We could use everybody’s prayers. Say prayers for the family that they get through this difficult time,” Gayheart said.

According to a Letcher County website, Mullins was a judge in the 47th Judicial District, overseeing juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and domestic violence cases.

The Kentucky Court of Justice, the state court system, said it is working with the state police.

“While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way that we can.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time,” the court said in a statement.

Attorney General Russell Coleman promised a full investigation.

“Following the deadly shooting in Letcher County, our Office will collaborate with Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele as special prosecutors in this case.

“We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Coleman said on X.