Investigators are working to uncover what led Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines to allegedly shoot and kill District Judge Kevin Mullins inside his chambers.

The Kentucky State Police confirmed the incident, which has left the tight-knit community of Whitesburg in shock. Judge Mullins, 54, was found with multiple gunshot wounds around 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Letcher County courthouse. He was pronounced dead on the scene, as reported by Trooper Matt Gayheart during a news conference, as reported by CNN.

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Stines, 43, allegedly shot Mullins following an argument inside the judge’s chambers. Authorities arrested the sheriff at the courthouse after he turned himself in without incident.

Image Credit: Leslie County Detention Center

Stines now faces a first-degree murder charge. While the sheriff has been cooperative, the full motive behind the argument and shooting remains under investigation. Gayheart stated that the investigation is still in its early stages, and no additional information regarding the motive has been released.

Letcher County, a rural area where many residents know each other, is reeling from this tragedy. Gayheart acknowledged the close-knit nature of the community, adding that the situation has left everyone “shook.”

While others were present in the courthouse at the time, no one else was inside the judge’s chambers, and no further injuries were reported. Authorities assured the public there is no ongoing threat.

Stines has served as sheriff for roughly eight years, winning his position through elections in 2018 and 2022. He had recently praised his department’s efforts in combating drugs and crime in Letcher County. In a September Facebook post, Stines thanked the citizens of the county for their support in helping his department apprehend criminals and remove drugs from the streets.

Image Credit: Kentucky Court of Justice

Mullins, on the other hand, was a well-known and highly respected figure in the Kentucky judicial system. Appointed as a district judge in 2009 by former Governor Steve Beshear, Mullins was re-elected multiple times due to his strong leadership and commitment to justice, with his most recent win in 2022.

His career was marked by his unwavering dedication to addressing drug offenses and promoting innovative recovery programs for those struggling with addiction. His efforts helped establish crucial opioid recovery programs across Kentucky, impacting countless lives in the fight against addiction.

The investigation into the tragic fatal shooting is still unfolding. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office has partnered with special prosecutors to ensure that justice is swiftly and thoroughly served. Mullins’ body will undergo further examination by the medical examiner as part of the ongoing inquiry.