A Kentucky sheriff is accused of murdering a judge in his office. Here's what we know

The death of a judge in his courthouse office has made headlines in the United States and abroad after a sheriff was charged with his murder.

Police have released few details, and little is known about a possible motive for the Sept. 19 incident, which piqued the interest of those following the story online.

Here’s what we know:

What happened?

According to reports, District Judge Kevin Mullins and Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines had been arguing at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, shortly before shots were fired on the second floor at 2:55 p.m.

Judge Mullins, who had held the position since 2009, died at the scene and Sheriff Stines was arrested shortly after police arrived.

Court clerk Mike Watts told WKYT he had seen the couple hours earlier.

“We joked a little about national politics… And then I talked to the sheriff about our attendance at the Sheriffs Association conference last week in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and asked him how it went.

“And then they went down the street to have lunch.”

He told the Associated Press that it was a completely normal conversation, except that the sheriff seemed calmer than usual.

The caseworker said he believed the couple had a good working relationship and was not aware of anything that could have triggered the violent altercation.

Mr Watts said he was on another floor and did not hear any gunshots.

How did Whitesburg react?

The incident shocked the small town with around 1,700 inhabitants.

“It's just so sad, I hate it,” Mr Watts said.

Those who knew the sheriff struggle to understand what led to the incident, which they say was out of character for him.

Jessica Slone, a distant relative of Sheriff Stines, said he had a close bond with his children and worked hard to get fentanyl and methamphetamine off the streets.

Patty Wood said she had been close friends with him and his family for years.

“There is no better person in the world than Mickey Stines,” she said.

“I don't know what happened.

“I know Mickey's character and I know there must be something responsible for this.

“I just can't believe he just went in and shot him for no reason.”

Mourners gathered at a high school gymnasium for the judge's funeral on Sunday and remembered his service to Letcher County.

The judge was known for his commitment to substance abuse treatment in the justice system and helped hundreds of residents obtain inpatient treatment.

Judge Mullins also helped develop a program that provides peer support in addiction treatment in court and has worked with various organizations and health care providers.

A Kentucky State Police arrest warrant contained few details about the incident.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office will work with a regional prosecutor as a special prosecutor in this criminal case.

“We will fully investigate this matter and seek justice,” Coleman said on social media.

Sheriff Stines will participate in his arraignment virtually on Wednesday local time.

ABC/AP