In accordance with authorities' statements, a sheriff from Kentucky allegedly ended the life of a judge in his chambers following a dispute. Here's what we have gathered so far.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was discovered with numerous gunshot wounds at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, as stated by Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart during a press conference. Mullins subsequently lost his life at the courthouse.
According to a preliminary investigation, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, fatally shot Mullins following an argument in the judge's chambers. Stines has since been charged with first-degree murder, according to state police. It is currently unclear if Stines has secured legal representation.
Upon being apprehended after the shooting, Stines peacefully surrendered without incident and was arrested at the scene. He is now cooperating with authorities, as confirmed by Gayheart. The process of determining a new county sheriff following Stines' arrest is still underway.
Gayheart expressed his sentiments, remarking, "This community is tight-knit, and we're all shaken by this incident."
Despite other individuals being present in the building, no one else was harmed within the judge's chambers during the shooting. No additional injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed that no threat to the public exists.
The motive behind the argument and subsequent shooting remains under investigation, with Gayheart specifying that details about the incident are still forthcoming. He also mentioned that the incident was an "isolated" event.
The shooting incident occurred just twelve days after southeast Kentucky experienced another shooting incident on an interstate, which resulted in five injuries in Laurel County. This event took place early in September. Additionally, a Russell County deputy was killed in the line of duty mere days prior to the shooting incidence.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared his sentiments, remarking on social media that "There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray for a brighter tomorrow."
Here's what we currently know about the two men, the incident, and the ongoing investigation:
Mullins and Stines: Background Information
Mullins, a resident of Jackhorn, held the position of district judge for Kentucky's 47th District Court in Letcher County since being appointed by former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009, according to the Associated Press. Mullins was subsequently elected one year later and was re-elected in 2014, 2018, and most recently in 2022.
Prior to his judicial appointment, Mullins served as assistant commonwealth's attorney in Letcher County, with a focus on drug-related offenses. He was admitted to the bar in 1995.
As a district judge, Mullins championed substance abuse treatment for individuals involved in the justice system, starting in 2010. Hundreds of individuals gained access to inpatient drug treatment centers through his efforts, according to the Associated Press and Kentucky nonprofit SOAR.
Addiction Recovery Care began collaborating with Mullins in 2018 to facilitate accelerated access to treatment through a community liaison in the courthouse. This initiative was adopted in at least 50 counties in Kentucky, according to the Associated Press. Mullins was also the founder of an opioid recovery support team.
Stines was first elected as the county sheriff in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. During early September, Stines highlighted the agency's achievements, including recent drug busts.
The Argument Inside the Judge's Chambers
An investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, as well as the exact nature of the argument between the two men, is currently underway, according to state police.
"We are aware that the argument between the two led to the unfolding of events, but we are still trying to determine what transpired prior to the shots being fired," Gayheart stated.
The investigation includes reviewing recorded footage from inside the building and interviewing all witnesses, as confirmed by Gayheart.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that his office would collaborate with Jackie Steele, the commonwealth's attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, as special prosecutors in the case. Coleman pledged, "We will conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice."
Mullins' body has been taken to the medical examiner's office for further analysis, according to Gayheart.
The Kentucky Court of Justice expressed its concern over the incident, stating, "We are currently in communication with law enforcement agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time."
A Sense of Shock and Tragedy in the Kentucky Community
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter shared his sentiments, stating, "I am shocked by Judge Mullins' death and the court is left shaken."
Matt Butler, the commonwealth's attorney for Letcher County, has elected to recuse himself from the sheriff's prosecution due to his wife's close familial ties to Mullins' wife.
Butler described both Stines and Mullins as "two men that I have worked with for seventeen years and loved like brothers."
"Everyone's familiar around here, including those from Letcher County who'd inform you that Judge Mullins and I tied the knot with a couple of sisters, and we've got kin who share the same blood yet behave like siblings," Butler expressed.
"Prayers are needed for Judge Mullins' family and my children, Ian and Ivy, who've been shedding tears and pleading to meet their uncle," he continued. "My community's really taken a hit."
Following the shooting incident, circuit and district courts, as well as the circuit court clerk's office, will remain shut until normal operations can resume, according to Kentucky Courts authorities stated on Thursday. Letcher County schools and the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College were momentarily locked down too, as per information from the Associated Press.
Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball commented on X, "Praying for Letcher County and District Judge Kevin Mullins."
"May divine power defend this community and all those affected by the shooting," Ball wished.
The community expresses their shock and concern, recognizing that they are all deeply affected by this tragedy. Regardless of their relationship with Judge Mullins, everyone in the community is saddened by his loss.
The judicial system in Kentucky extends its support to the ongoing investigation, pledging to collaborate with the Kentucky State Police during this challenging time.
