A Kentucky sheriff was arrested on Thursday, linked to the fatal shooting of a district judge inside a courthouse, according to Kentucky State Police.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds and declared dead at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines shot Mullins after an argument in the judge’s chambers.
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. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 19, 2024
Stines faces a charge of first-degree murder. It remains unclear if he has legal representation.
“There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow,” Governor Andy Beshear expressed in a Facebook post.
The incident occurred at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, Trooper Matt Gayheart stated during a Thursday evening press conference.
Though others were present in the building, no one else was inside the judge’s chambers, and no additional injuries were reported.
Stines surrendered after the shooting and was arrested at the scene without resistance. He is cooperating with authorities. It is still unknown who will assume the sheriff’s duties following his arrest.
There are surveillance cameras in the building, and all witnesses will be interviewed, Gayheart added.
“This community is small in nature, and we’re all shook,” Gayheart remarked regarding the shooting.
The Kentucky Court of Justice acknowledged the “tragic” event in Letcher County, stating on Facebook that they are coordinating with law enforcement, including Kentucky State Police, and offering their full support.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC7NY reports on the shocking murder of Judge Kevin Mullins at the Letcher County courthouse by local Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, highlighting a grim incident of violence in rural Kentucky. (Read more)
- KRDO reports a Kentucky sheriff arrested for fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins inside the Letcher County courthouse, sparking community outrage and official support. (Read more)
- 6abc reports a Kentucky judge, Kevin Mullins, was fatally shot in his chambers by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines, who has been charged with first-degree murder following an internal argument. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in the Kentucky courthouse shooting?
Sheriff Shawn M. Stines shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins after an argument.
Who was the victim in the Kentucky courthouse shooting?
The victim was District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54.
Has the sheriff been charged in the Kentucky courthouse shooting?
Yes, Sheriff Shawn M. Stines has been charged with first-degree murder.
Did anyone else get injured in the Kentucky courthouse shooting?
No, there were no other injuries reported.
What did the governor say about the Kentucky courthouse shooting?
Governor Andy Beshear expressed concern about the violence and hoped for a better future.
