Investigators say sheriff shot judge in Letcher County

LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WCYB) — Kentucky State Police held a press conference Thursday evening to provide more information on what they believe are the underlying circumstances that led to the Letcher County sheriff shooting a district judge.

According to police, Kentucky State Police received an emergency call from the courthouse around 3 p.m. reporting that shots had been fired inside the building.

Multiple agencies responded and found District Judge Kevin Mullins with multiple gunshot wounds.

His death was pronounced at the scene of the accident.

According to police, the suspect is Letcher County Sheriff “Mickey” Shawn Stines, who allegedly shot Judge Mullins after an argument in the count’s house.

Stines was taken into custody without incident.

We do not know where the sheriff was taken, but will continue to share details with you as they become available.

What we do know is that Stines was charged with first-degree murder.

News 5 asked State Police Trooper Matthew Gayheart, “What happens to this community now that their sheriff has been arrested?”

“Someone else will take over in the next few days. But as of now, we will continue our investigation,” said Trooper Gayheardt. “We have to stick together and take it day by day.”

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and is being conducted by the Kentucky State Police.