Kentucky Town Shattered as Sheriff Charged with Judge's Murder in Courthouse Shooting

 

Kentucky Town Shattered as Sheriff Charged with Judge's Murder in Courthouse Shooting

A close-knit community in southeast Kentucky has been left shaken after a tragic courthouse shooting resulted in the death of a respected district judge. The incident, involving the county sheriff, has sparked concerns about courthouse security and left residents questioning what could have led to such a violent act.

On Thursday, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, was arrested for the fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, inside the judge’s chambers at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg, according to Kentucky State Police. Stines, who was also responsible for the safety of judges, turned himself in immediately after the shooting and was taken into custody without resistance. He now faces charges of first-degree murder.

The small town of Whitesburg, home to just over 1,700 residents, has been left in shock. Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart expressed the community's grief, stating, "This is a small town, and we are all deeply shaken."

Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting followed a heated argument between Stines and Mullins in the judge's chambers on Thursday afternoon. The normally quiet courthouse erupted in chaos around 3 p.m. when authorities received a 911 call reporting shots fired inside the building.

As news of an active shooter spread, courthouse staff and attorneys were swiftly evacuated by court security officer Wallace Kincer and Circuit Court Clerk Mike Watts, according to Letcher County Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Butler.

Panic rippled through the area, leading to a precautionary lockdown of Letcher County Public Schools. A message to parents reassured them that their children were safe, despite the ongoing crisis downtown.

Judge Mullins, who had served as the district judge for 15 years, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

The tragic event has left the community grieving the loss of a dedicated public servant while grappling with the implications of a trusted law enforcement official being charged with murder. The courthouse, once a symbol of justice, has now become the scene of an unimaginable tragedy.