A district judge was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers in Letcher County, Kentucky, leading to the arrest of local Sheriff Shawn M. Stines on a charge of first-degree murder.
The incident occurred on Thursday following an argument between Sheriff Stines and District Judge Kevin Mullins inside the courthouse in Whitesburg.
According to Kentucky State Police, Judge Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff Stines, 43, surrendered to authorities without resistance. This shocking event has sent ripples through the small community of about 1,700 residents.
Matt Butler, the lead county prosecutor, has recused himself and his office from the investigation due to personal ties to Judge Mullins.
“We all know each other here,” he stated.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that his office would collaborate with a local commonwealth’s attorney to oversee the case.
The Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice, Laurance B. VanMeter, expressed his shock at the violence, noting that the court system has been deeply affected. In response to the shooting, the Letcher County courthouse was closed, and local schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Judge Mullins, who had served in the position since 2009, was recognized for his efforts to promote substance abuse treatment programs within the justice system, assisting numerous residents in accessing treatment services. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, and it remains unclear if Sheriff Stines has retained legal representation.
The Associated Press, FOX News, and the New York Times contributed to this report.
