Eastern Kentucky sheriff arrested and charged with murder after fatal shooting of district judge

Letcher County Sheriff is charged with first-degree murder after shooting 47th Judicial District Judge. 43-year-old Mickey Stines has been charged with murder in the death of 54-year-old Kevin Mullins.

Kentucky State Police received a 911 call about a shooting outside the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg around 3 p.m. Thursday.

During a press conference, KSP Trooper Matt Gayheart said it appeared the two men had an argument.

“Preliminary investigation indicated that Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins following an argument in the courthouse,” Gayheart said.

Gayheart said police and emergency responders found Mullins in his office with numerous gunshot wounds.

“Life-saving measures were attempted but were unsuccessful. The Letcher County Coroner's Office pronounced him dead at the scene,” he continued.

Gayheart said Stines turned himself in to police without incident. He was taken to a correctional facility. KSP is still investigating the incident.

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