WHITESBURG, USA — A sheriff in Eastern Kentucky has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing a district court judge inside the Letcher County Courthouse on Thursday, September 19, 2024, afternoon, according to Kentucky State Police.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said.
Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting, state police announced in a news release on Thursday night.
Stines was arrested at the courthouse without incident and remains in custody.
State police confirmed that the shooting occurred after an argument between the sheriff and the judge, both of whom had been inside the courthouse at the time.
Stines was reportedly handcuffed in the courthouse foyer, according to The Mountain Eagle, a local news outlet.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledged the tragedy in a social media post, writing, “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow,” after being informed that Judge Mullins had been shot and killed in his chambers.
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. ^AB
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 19, 2024
The shooting prompted Letcher County Schools to go into lockdown following advice from Kentucky State Police. No additional injuries were reported.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman also addressed the incident on social media, stating that he and 27th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele would act as special prosecutors in the case.
“We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Coleman wrote in his post.
Judge Mullins had served Letcher County since 2009, earning a reputation as a dedicated public servant. The courthouse will remain closed as the investigation continues.
