Investigators are working to understand the circumstances that led to the alleged shooting of a district judge by a Kentucky sheriff following an argument in the judge’s chambers, according to the Kentucky State Police.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was found with gunshot wounds at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg around 3 p.m. on Thursday and was pronounced dead at the scene, police confirmed during a news conference later that evening.
Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, who was responsible for the security of judges, has been charged with first-degree murder after the shooting. He turned himself in and was arrested without incident, and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s position remains uncertain following his arrest, as he had held the role for approximately eight years.
Witnesses are being interviewed, and security cameras in the building may provide additional insights into the incident.
“This community is small, and we’re all shaken,” said Trooper Matt Gayheart.
The tragedy follows a recent increase in violence in southeast Kentucky, including a shooting that injured five individuals and the recent death of a Russell County deputy. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed concern about the state of violence during a social media post.
While no one else was injured during the judge’s shooting, there were other individuals present in the courthouse at the time, with authorities stating there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Details regarding the nature of the argument that preceded the shooting remain unclear, and investigations into the motive are ongoing. Gayheart confirmed this incident was “isolated.”
Sheriff Stines is set to make his first court appearance on September 25, with the hearing taking place remotely in Carter County. He is currently being held in Leslie County.
Sheriffs in Kentucky are tasked with courthouse security, including the personal safety of judges, according to Jerry Wagner, the executive director of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association. Wagner stated this situation was unexpected and difficult to prepare for.
Mullins had been serving as a district judge since 2009 and was known for his advocacy for substance abuse treatment program initiatives and support. He previously worked as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney primarily dealing with drug-related offenses.
The argument leading up to the fatal shooting remains under investigation by state police and special prosecutors from the Kentucky Attorney General’s office.
Prior to the shooting, Stines was involved in a federal lawsuit concerning allegations made against a former deputy. Stines had recently been deposed regarding a case involving coercive sexual conduct by the former deputy in the judge’s chambers.
The community has expressed its shock over the killing, with Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter stating that the court is left “shaken” by the loss.
Due to the incident, all local circuit and district courts will be temporarily closed as the community mourns this tragic event. The reopening of the courts will occur with a retired judge stepping in until a replacement for Mullins can be selected. Letcher County schools and local colleges were placed on brief lockdown as a precaution following the shooting.