Investigators are working to understand the circumstances surrounding the alleged shooting of a district judge by a Kentucky sheriff following a dispute in the judge’s chambers, as reported by Kentucky State Police.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was discovered with gunshot wounds at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday and was pronounced dead at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg, according to Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart during a Thursday evening news conference.
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, who was tasked with overseeing the personal security of judges, allegedly shot Judge Mullins following a dispute in the judge’s chambers, according to preliminary police investigations. Stines is currently facing a first-degree murder charge, as stated by state police. CNN is working to find out if Stines has retained legal representation.
Stines surrendered to authorities after the shooting and was arrested at the scene without incident on Thursday. He is currently cooperating with investigators, according to Gayheart. It remains uncertain who will assume the role of county sheriff in the wake of Stines' arrest, as he had held the position for about eight years.
Cameras are present within the building, and all witnesses will be interviewed, Gayheart indicated.
“This is a small community, and we’re all shaken,” he said.
The incident occurred less than two weeks after a shooting on an interstate in southeast Kentucky left five people injured in Laurel County. Additionally, only three days prior, a Russell County deputy was killed while on duty, officials noted.
“There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated in a social media post.
While there were others in the building at the time of Mullins' shooting, no one else was in the judge’s chambers and no additional injuries were reported. Gayheart also reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat.
Law enforcement has not yet disclosed the details of the argument that led to the shooting, and the motive is still under investigation, Gayheart stated, emphasizing that the incident was “isolated.”
Stines is currently being held in nearby Leslie County. It is unclear when he will make his first court appearance, as arraignments for crimes committed in Letcher County would typically be overseen by Mullins, according to Jackie Steele, the Commonwealth’s Attorney assigned to the case.
“The latest update I received from the court system indicated they are seeking a judge to handle the case, and the arraignment is expected to take place next week, although the specific date and time are still unknown,” Steele informed CNN via email on Friday.
In Kentucky, sheriffs are tasked with maintaining security in courthouses, which includes the personal safety of judges, as noted by Jerry Wagner, a retired sheriff and the executive director of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association.
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