Investigators in Kentucky are looking into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, allegedly by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon inside the judge’s chambers at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg. Mullins was discovered with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead shortly thereafter, as confirmed by Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart.
According to preliminary findings, Sheriff Stines, responsible for the personal security of judges, shot Mullins following a dispute. He has been charged with first-degree murder. After the shooting, Stines turned himself in peacefully at the scene and is currently cooperating with investigators. Discussions are underway regarding his replacement due to the sheriff’s eight-year tenure in office.
Law enforcement officials noted that surveillance cameras are present in the courthouse, and they plan to interview all witnesses to ascertain the details leading to the shooting. Gayheart expressed the community’s shock and concern, emphasizing the small-town nature of Letcher County.
This violent incident comes on the heels of a recent shooting in Laurel County, which left five people injured, and the line-of-duty death of a deputy three days prior. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear lamented the state of violence in the world, voicing hopes for a more peaceful future.
While Mullins was shot, no one else was inside the chambers, and no other injuries were reported, leading officials to conclude there is no ongoing threat to the public. The exact nature of the argument that escalated to violence remains under investigation.
Stines is set to appear remotely in court on September 25, and he is currently being held in Leslie County, away from the Letcher County Courthouse. His fate regarding continued incarceration will be determined ahead of the hearing.
Judge Mullins had a notable career, having served Letcher County’s 47th District Court since 2009, with a reputation for advocating substance abuse treatment. Sheriff Stines, meanwhile, had recently highlighted law enforcement successes before facing this serious charge.
The tragic event has left the close-knit community in mourning. Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter expressed his shock, offering prayers for Mullins’ family and community. The courts have been temporarily closed, and operational changes will be implemented to manage district court cases in the absence of Mullins. The local schools and a community college also enacted brief lockdowns following the shooting incident.