A shocking incident has left a small Kentucky town reeling after the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, who was fatally shot in his courthouse office.

The accused is none other than Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 44, who allegedly opened fire on the judge following a brief argument. This tragic event has stunned the local community, where both men were well-known figures, as reported by the Daily Mail.

According to reports from The Mountain Eagle, the sheriff had asked to speak privately with Judge Mullins before the two retreated to the judge’s office. What began as a seemingly normal conversation escalated quickly when both men exchanged cell phones.

Patriotic beachwear for freedom lovers! Shop now and get 10% off with code RB10. Vet & LEO-founded.

Moments later, Sheriff Stines allegedly stood up, locked the door, and, after walking around the desk, drew his weapon and shot Mullins multiple times. The motive remains unclear, though investigators are working to determine what transpired during the brief exchange.

Authorities have revealed that just hours before the shooting, the judge and sheriff had shared lunch with other court staff.

Despite this, tensions must have simmered between the two men, as Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart stated, “We know that it was an argument between the two that led up to it, but what exactly transpired prior to the shots being fired, that’s still something we’re trying to get answers to.”

Sheriff Stines, a father of two who was reportedly planning to retire soon, has been charged with first-degree murder. He was once Judge Mullins’ bailiff before being elected sheriff in 2018.

Stines’ legal troubles didn’t start here, though. He was previously named in a lawsuit for failing to investigate claims that one of his deputies, Ben Fields, had sexually assaulted a former inmate, Sabrina Adkins, in the same judge’s chambers.

That deputy is currently serving seven years for recording the assault. Ironically, Stines was scheduled to give a deposition in the lawsuit just days before the murder.

Judge Mullins had been on the bench for 15 years and was respected for his focus on rehabilitation for drug offenders. In 2010, he initiated a program that allowed inmates suffering from substance abuse to enter inpatient treatment instead of incarceration.

His loss has devastated the community, including County Prosecutor Matt Butler, who recused himself from the case due to personal ties. “We all know each other here,” Butler said. “Judge Mullins and I married sisters, and our children are first cousins.”

The courthouse where the shooting occurred has since been closed as the investigation unfolds. This small Appalachian town, with a population of only 1,700, is grappling with the tragedy, hoping for answers and justice.