Kentucky sheriff charged with killing judge inside courthouse

A Kentucky sheriff has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a district judge in his courthouse chambers. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines allegedly shot Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times after an argument on Thursday, Sept. 19. Stines surrendered without incident and is being held on a first-degree murder charge.

Authorities say Kentucky Sheriff Shawn Stines shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins inside his chambers after an argument at the Letcher County Courthouse. Stines was arrested without incident. @PierreTABC has the latest.https://t.co/dOU57g4Rrq pic.twitter.com/jFobNSiCfQ

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) September 20, 2024

The shooting occurred at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, a small town in southeastern Kentucky. Mullins, who had served as a district judge for 15 years, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kentucky State Police are investigating the incident, and the state attorney general’s office will collaborate with a special prosecutor on the case. Gov. Andy Beshear expressed condolences, saying, “There is far too much violence in this world” and praying for a “path to a better tomorrow.”

Mullins was known for his work in promoting substance abuse treatment and had helped hundreds of residents enter recovery programs.

Stines, who was elected sheriff in 2018, has been named a defendant in two federal cases, including a lawsuit alleging he failed to adequately train and supervise a deputy accused of sexual abuse.

The investigation is ongoing.