- Kentucky sheriff held over fatal shooting of judge in court
- District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene
- Sheriff Shawn Stines, 43, has been charged with first-degree murder
- Two men had an argument prior to the shooting, motive unknown
Kentucky sheriff held over fatal shooting of judge in court
A Kentucky sheriff has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a judge inside his chambers, according to police.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot multiple times at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Thursday, Kentucky State Police reported.
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines, 43, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting. While police have confirmed that the two men had an argument prior to the shooting, they have not yet disclosed a motive.
Local newspaper The Mountain Eagle reported that Sheriff Stines entered the judge’s office, told staff he needed to speak with Mullins privately, and then entered the judge’s chambers with him. Shortly after, gunshots were heard from inside the room.
Sheriff Stines allegedly walked out of the chambers with his hands raised and surrendered to authorities without resistance. He was arrested and handcuffed in the courthouse foyer.
