Judge Shot and Killed in Kentucky Courthouse, Sheriff Charged with Murder
In a tragic and shocking incident, a judge in rural Kentucky was shot and killed inside his courthouse chambers on Thursday, and the local sheriff has been charged with murder. According to Kentucky State Police, the deadly shooting occurred following an argument between Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines and District Judge Kevin Mullins.
Fatal Courthouse Incident
Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times by Sheriff Stines, 43, inside the courthouse in Whitesburg, a small Appalachian town with approximately 1,700 residents. Mullins, who had held the judgeship for 15 years, died at the scene. Stines surrendered without incident and was subsequently charged with first-degree murder.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community located about 145 miles southeast of Lexington. The news has left the community in disbelief, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a beloved judge. Matt Butler, the lead county prosecutor, immediately recused himself and his office from the investigation, citing close family ties to 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 said in a statement. “For that reason, I have already taken steps to recuse myself and my entire office.”
Kentucky Attorney General Steps In
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced on social media that his office would collaborate with a local commonwealth’s attorney as special prosecutors to handle the case. “We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Coleman said, assuring the community that the matter would be addressed fairly and thoroughly.
Shock and Sympathy Pour In
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter expressed his deep shock over the violent incident, stating that the court system was “shaken by this news.” In response to the shooting, the Letcher County judge-executive signed an order to close the county courthouse on Friday.
The closure of the courthouse has disrupted daily operations, raising concerns among residents about the impact on ongoing cases and legal proceedings.
Remembering Judge Mullins
Judge Kevin Mullins, known for his compassionate approach to justice, was widely respected for his efforts to address community substance abuse issues. He played a crucial role in promoting treatment programs for individuals struggling with addiction. In 2022, he spoke at a drug summit and advocated for programs that helped hundreds of residents enter inpatient treatment. He also co-developed Addiction Recovery Care, a peer support initiative adopted by at least 50 counties in Kentucky.
Mullins was a founding member of the Responsive Effort to Support Treatment in Opioid Recovery Efforts Leadership Team, further solidifying his commitment to helping those in need.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is still ongoing. Whether Sheriff Stines has legal representation remains unclear, and Kentucky State Police have not provided further updates regarding his defense. The shooting has left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty, with several area schools briefly placed on lockdown, adding to the heightened sense of disbelief.
As the investigation progresses, the small town of Whitesburg grapples with the profound loss of a beloved judge and the shock of an unimaginable act of violence. The community mourns the loss of Judge Mullins, a respected figure known for his compassionate approach to justice and his efforts to address community substance abuse issues.