A judge in a rural Kentucky county was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers Thursday, and the local sheriff was charged with murder, police said.
As reported by the Associated Press, the preliminary investigation indicates Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times following an argument inside the courthouse, according to Kentucky State Police.
Stines Asked to Speak to Mullins Alone, Shot Him Moments Later
Stines, 43, allegedly walked into the judge’s office, told court employees and others gathered outside that he needed to speak to Mullins alone. The two then went into the inner office, closed the door and shots rang out moments later. Stines then walked out with his hands up and surrendered.
Stines was taken into custody at the scene without incident, police said. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder. Multiple agencies responded after a 911 call was placed around 2:55 p.m. about shots being fired from inside the building. According to Kentucky State Police, Mullins was found with multiple gunshot wounds.
Mullins, who held the judgeship for 15 years, died at the scene, and Stines surrendered without incident. Letcher County’s judge-executive signed an order closing the county courthouse on Friday. The courthouse is in Whitesburg, which is 146 miles (235 kilometers) southeast of Lexington.
Stines Fired a Deputy Sheriff Accused of Sexually Assaulting an Inmate in Judge Mullins Chambers