Additional Coverage:
Tragedy struck Letcher County, Kentucky, when Sheriff Shawn Stines was arrested for fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins.
Officers responded to a 911 call about gunshots inside the courthouse, where they found Mullins with multiple gunshot wounds in his chambers. Despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Stines, 43, allegedly shot Mullins following an argument. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree murder. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
The Kentucky Attorney General’s office will collaborate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to prosecute the case. The Kentucky Court of Justice expressed its support and condolences for the community.
The courthouse will be closed on Friday as the investigation continues. The court system and the community are deeply saddened by the incident. Judge Mullins had served as district court judge since 2009.