Sheriff Arrested for Murdering Judge in Kentucky Courthouse

Murder In The Morning | Daily True Crime News

In a shocking development, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the killing of District Judge Kevin Mullins inside the Letcher County Courthouse on Thursday. The incident has sent ripples through the small Appalachian community of Whitesburg, home to approximately 1,700 residents.
The tragic event unfolded after an argument between Sheriff Stines, 43, and Judge Mullins, 54, just before 3 p.m. local time. According to Kentucky State Police, Mullins was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff Stines surrendered without incident following the shooting.
Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart addressed the community, stating that the killing is an “isolated incident” with no ongoing threat to the public. “Any time a situation like this takes place, especially in a small town, it shakes the very foundation of what the town is and this is no different,” Gayheart told local outlet WJHL.
The Kentucky Attorney General’s office, led by Russell Coleman, along with Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele for the 27th Judicial Circuit, are spearheading the investigation. Coleman emphasized the commitment to justice, stating on social media, “We will fully investigate and pursue justice.”
Governor Andy Beshear also responded to the tragedy, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter: “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.”
The community’s reaction has been one of profound sadness and disbelief. Lead county prosecutor Matt Butler recused himself from the case due to personal ties with Judge Mullins. “We all know each other here. ... Anyone from Letcher County would tell you that Judge Mullins and I married sisters and that we have children who are first cousins but act like siblings,” Butler explained. “For that reason, among others, I have already taken steps to recuse myself and my entire office.”
Laurance B. VanMeter, Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, expressed his shock and sorrow, stating, “I am shocked by this act of violence and the court system is shaken by this news.”
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, several local schools were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. The temporary closure of the Letcher County Courthouse has added to the community’s distress, disrupting the daily lives of its residents.
Judge Kevin Mullins was a respected figure in Letcher County, appointed by former Governor Steve Beshear in 2009 and elected the following year. He was renowned for his dedication to supporting individuals in the justice system struggling with substance abuse. Mullins played a pivotal role in developing programs like Addiction Recovery Care, which offers peer support services in the courthouse and has been adopted in over 50 counties across Kentucky.
Mullins was also a founding member of the Responsive Effort to Support Treatment in Opioid Recovery Efforts Leadership Team, further highlighting his commitment to community welfare and rehabilitation.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the motives behind the altercation that led to the judge’s untimely death. Kentucky State Police are diligently working to uncover all the facts surrounding the case.
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