Judge in Kentucky shot dead in examination room

A Kentucky judge was shot dead in his courtroom on Thursday and a local sheriff was arrested on suspicion of the murder.

District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky State Police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, was arrested at the scene without incident, police said.

He was accused of intentionally committing murder.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he had previously been informed that a judge in Letcher County had been killed.

“There is far too much violence in this world and I pray there is a way to a better future,” he wrote on X.

One person was reportedly in custody, but authorities have not released details of the shooting or identified the judge killed or the suspect.

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Allison Ball, the state auditor, initially identified the victim as Mullins before authorities released his name.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Kentucky State Police. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office will work as a special prosecutor in the case with Jackie Steele, the U.S. Attorney for the 27th Judicial District.

“We will investigate the matter fully and seek justice,” he posted on social media.

Letcher County Public Schools said a mandatory curfew has been imposed due to a downtown shooting.

“Your children are safe,” the district wrote online. “The shooter was arrested, but KSP has not released us from the curfew. Your children were never in a situation of concern. Please give us time to work with KSP and plan our next steps.”

District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was killed by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, in his judge's chambers, authorities said Thursday. (Kentucky Court of Justice, Letcher County Sheriff's Office)

The Kentucky State Court said it was aware of the murder and was cooperating with law enforcement.

“At this time, we are unable to provide any further details but will provide updates as more information becomes available,” the statement said on social media. “Our deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.”

Mullins was a judge in the 47th Judicial District, where he presided over juvenile cases, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic violations, arraignments, probable cause hearings for capital crimes, lawsuits involving an amount in controversy of $2,500 or less, civil cases involving an amount in controversy of $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental health commitments and domestic violence cases, according to the court's website.

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He has served as a district judge in Letcher County since his appointment by former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009 and his re-election the following year. Mullins promoted substance abuse treatment for people involved in the justice system and helped hundreds of residents get into residential treatment, according to a program for a drug summit at which he spoke in 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.