Kentucky sheriff charged with murder of district judge in courthouse

WHITESVILLE, Ky. — In a shocking incident in Letcher County, Kentucky, Sheriff Shawn Stines was arrested and charged with the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins at a Whitesville courthouse. The fatal shooting occurred at the courthouse Thursday afternoon and sent shock through the local community.

Mullins, 54, was reportedly shot multiple times. Kentucky State Police confirmed that Stines, 53, turned himself in to authorities without incident shortly after the shooting.

The motive for the murder remains unclear, and authorities have not yet released further details about the circumstances that led to the tragedy. The courthouse will remain closed today as the investigation is ongoing.

Judge Mullins was a prominent figure in the county and his death has sent shockwaves through the judiciary and the local community. Kentucky news outlets report that law enforcement is actively working to determine what sparked the fatal encounter between the sheriff and the judge.

Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.