A sheriff in Kentucky has been accused of fatally shooting district Judge Kevin Mullins at a courthouse in Letcher County. The incident happened shortly before 3 p.m., and Sheriff Mickey Stines has been detained in connection with the murder. Stines, a two-term sheriff, is expected to be charged with first-degree murder. The motive for the shooting has not been disclosed, and investigators are working to determine what led up to the incident. The shooting occurred after an argument between the judge and the sheriff, who turned himself in to authorities at the scene.
The Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, was the site of the shooting, which has left the small community “shook” by the violence. State Trooper Matt Gayheart has urged the community to come together and pray for the families impacted by the tragic event. Mullins was serving as a judge in the 47th Judicial District, overseeing a variety of cases including juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, traffic offenses, and domestic violence cases. The Kentucky Court of Justice is working with state police to assist in the investigation and offer support to those affected by the shooting.
Relatives of Mullins and Stines were not available for comment following the shooting, which has raised concerns in the community and sparked a call for prayers. The attorney general has promised a full investigation into the incident, with the intention to collaborate with a local prosecutor as special prosecutors. The Kentucky Court of Justice expressed their deepest sympathies for those impacted and offered prayers for the community during this challenging time. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The violent incident at the courthouse has shocked the residents of Letcher County and highlighted the dangers faced by those working in the justice system. The shooting of a judge by a law enforcement officer has raised questions about the safety of those serving in the legal system and the need for increased security measures. The tragic event has prompted calls for justice for Mullins and his family, as well as support for the community as they come to terms with the loss of a respected member of the judiciary. The shooting has left many in the community reeling from the unexpected violence that has struck close to home.
As the investigation continues, details about the shooting and the events leading up to it are still emerging. Authorities are working to piece together the sequence of events that culminated in the fatal shooting of Judge Mullins. The community is rallying around the families affected by the tragedy, offering prayers and support as they navigate this difficult time. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the court system underscores the commitment to pursuing justice for those impacted by the shooting. The full investigation promises to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.