Ky. Sheriff Charged with Murder After District Judge Found Dead in His Chamber

A Kentucky judge was shot and killed in his chambers on Thursday, Sept. 19, and a sheriff has been charged with murder.

State Auditor of Public Accounts of the Commonwealth, Allison Ball, identified the deceased as District Judge Kevin Mullins in a post on X.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart said during a press conference Thursday night that officers received a call about shots being fired inside the Letcher County courthouse shortly before 3:00 p.m.

“Multiple law enforcement agencies from around the area, along with emergency services, responded to the area and located District Judge Kevin Mullins with several gunshot wounds. Life-saving measures were taken; however, were unsuccessful. He was pronounced deceased on scene by Letcher County Coroner’s Office,” he said.

According to Gayheart, a preliminary investigation showed that Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, allegedly fired at Mullins, 54, “following an argument inside the courthouse.”

While Gayheart said that officials have not learned of a motive and the investigation remains ongoing, he confirmed that Stines was “arrested on scene without incident shortly after officials arrive.”

“Sheriff Stines was placed under arrest and transported to a correctional facility. He was charged with one count of murder in the first degree,” added Gayheart.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Gayheart also confirmed the news in a press release.

According to a Letcher County website, Mullins presided over the 47th District Judicial District, which oversees “ordinances, misdemeanors, violations, traffic offenses, probate of wills, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, small claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and cases relating to domestic violence and abuse.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also reacted to the shooting, writing on X, ” 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 Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter wrote in a Facebook statement that he was “shocked by this act of violence, and the court system is shaken by this news.”

“Following the deadly shooting in Letcher County, our Office will collaborate with Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele as special prosecutors in this case. We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman wrote on X.

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Lexer County judge/executive Terry Adams signed an order closing the county courthouse on Friday, Sept. 20.