A district judge in Kentucky was fatally shot on Thursday inside the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky State Police said. A local sheriff has been charged with a connection to the shooting.
State police received a 911 call about shots being fired inside the Letcher County Courthouse just before 3 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services found District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, of Jackhorn, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but despite their efforts, Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, of McRoberts, fatally shot Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse. Local media outlet The Mountain Eagle reported that Stines emerged from the judge’s private office with his hands up and was taken into custody without incident. He has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper is leading the investigation. According to The Mountain Eagle, Stines entered the courthouse and told court employees he needed to speak privately with Judge Mullins. The two went into the judge’s office where moments later gunshots were heard.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear acknowledged the shooting on social media: “Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon. There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office will assist Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele as a special prosecutor in the case, with the intent to fully investigate and pursue justice. The Kentucky Court of Justice expressed their awareness of the shooting, offering full support during this difficult time while extending condolences to all those affected by the tragic event.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the Letcher County Sheriff’s Office for a statement regarding the incident.
