Kentucky Sheriff arrested for fatal shooting of Judge in courthouse shocks rural town

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines has been arrested after fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers on Thursday afternoon.

The tragedy unfolded in the small town of Whitesburg, Kentucky, when an argument between the sheriff and the judge escalated into gunfire, leaving the community reeling.

Judge Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times inside the Letcher County Courthouse around 2:00 p.m., according to Kentucky State Police. Sheriff Stines, 43, has been charged with first-degree murder following the incident. While police have yet to reveal the motive, the deadly confrontation has left the town, located about 150 miles southeast of Lexington, in a state of disbelief.

Sheriff Stines reportedly walked into Judge Mullins’ outer office, asking to speak privately. The two entered the judge’s chambers, closing the door behind them. Moments later, gunshots were heard. According to witnesses cited by the local Mountain Eagle newspaper, Stines emerged from the room with his hands raised and surrendered to police without resistance. He was arrested in the courthouse foyer.

“This community is small in nature, and we’re all shook,” said Kentucky State Police spokesman Matt Gayheart during a press conference. At the time of the shooting, approximately 50 employees were inside the courthouse, but no one else was injured. A nearby school was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution.

Kentucky officials expressed shock and sorrow over the killing. Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter condemned the act as “shocking violence.” Meanwhile, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear mourned Judge Mullins’ death, stating on social media, “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”

The case will be thoroughly investigated by the state attorney general’s office, with Attorney General Russell Coleman pledging, “We will fully investigate and pursue justice.”

The small, tight-knit community of Whitesburg has been left grappling with the sudden loss of a respected judge and the stunning actions of a trusted sheriff, leaving many searching for answers as the investigation continues.