Kentucky District Judge Found Dead In His Chambers
Kentucky authorities are investigating the tragic shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, allegedly at the hands of Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, following an argument in the judge's chambers, according to Kentucky State Police.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday, when Judge Mullins was found with multiple gunshot wounds at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky. He was pronounced dead at the scene, said Trooper Matt Gayheart during a press conference later that evening.
A preliminary investigation suggests that an altercation between Judge Mullins and Sheriff Stines escalated, leading to the fatal shooting. Sheriff Stines now faces a first-degree murder charge, although details surrounding the argument remain unclear. CNN is working to confirm whether Stines has secured legal representation.
After the shooting, Sheriff Stines surrendered to authorities at the courthouse and was arrested without resistance. He is reportedly cooperating with the investigation, though questions remain about who will take over his role, given that Stines had served as sheriff for about eight years.
“This is a tight-knit community, and we’re all deeply shaken by this event,” Trooper Gayheart commented on the impact of the tragedy.
No other individuals were in the judge's chambers during the shooting, and there were no other injuries reported. Authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety.
The motive behind the argument and subsequent shooting is still under investigation. "We're actively working to understand what happened in the moments leading up to the incident," Gayheart said.
This devastating event comes shortly after a shooting on an interstate in southeast Kentucky earlier this month, which left five people injured, and just days after a deputy in Russell County was killed in the line of duty.
Addressing the recent surge in violence, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his concern in a social media post, stating, “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”
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