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Judge shot dead in Kentucky; sheriff charged with murder

A judge is dead after a shooting at a southeastern Kentucky courthouse. Officials say the county sheriff fired the shots. The shooting was reported at the Letcher County Courthouse just before 3 p.m. Kentucky State Police said 911 callers heard gunshots inside the building. Watch the update from KSP below: When they arrived, KSP said they found District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, of Jackhorn, with multiple gunshot wounds; he died in the courtroom. The preliminary investigation indicates Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, of McRoberts, shot Mullins during an argument. KSP did not elaborate on what led to the argument, saying the investigation is ongoing. Stines was taken into custody at the scene without incident and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at the neighboring Leslie County Detention Center. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office will work with Jackie Steele, the 27th Judicial District Attorney, as special prosecutor in the case. The Kentucky court released a statement that said in part, “Our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.” Letcher County is about four hours from Louisville on the Virginia border.

A judge has died after a shooting at a courthouse in southeastern Kentucky. Officials say the county sheriff fired the shots.

The shooting was reported at the Letcher County Courthouse shortly before 3 p.m. Kentucky State Police said callers to 911 heard gunshots coming from the building.

Check out KSP’s update below:


When they arrived, they found 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins of Jackhorn with numerous gunshot wounds; he died in the examination room, according to KSP.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, of McRoberts, shot Mullins during an argument.

Leslie County Detention Center

KSP did not provide any further details about the causes of the dispute and said the investigation was still ongoing.

Stines was arrested at the scene without incident and charged with first-degree murder.

He is being held at the neighboring Leslie County Detention Center.

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Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office will work with 27th Judicial District Attorney Jackie Steele as special prosecutor in the case.

The Kentucky Court released a statement that said in part:

“Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.”

Letcher County is located about 4 hours from Louisville on the border with Virginia.

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