Kentucky Sheriff Charged with Murder in Courthouse Judge’s Killing

In a tragic incident that has shaken a small Appalachian community, District Judge Kevin Mullins was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers on Thursday. The suspected shooter, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, has been charged with first-degree murder, according to Kentucky State Police.

The incident reportedly occurred following an argument between the two men within the courthouse. Judge Mullins, who had served in his position for 15 years, died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, while Sheriff Stines surrendered to authorities without incident.

This deadly shooting in Whitesburg has left the local community, which comprises approximately 1,700 residents, in disbelief. Letcher County serves as the county seat and the reaction has been one of shock and sorrow.

Matt Butler, the lead prosecutor for the county, expressed the profound sense of loss felt throughout the community. Due to his close personal ties to Mullins—both men married sisters and their children consider each other as siblings—Butler has recused himself and his office from any investigations related to the case.

In a statement, Butler emphasized this sentiment, saying, “We all know each other here. … Anyone from Letcher County would tell you that Judge Mullins and I married sisters and that we have children who are first cousins but act like siblings.”

The investigation has now been handed over to the Kentucky Attorney General’s office, which will be working with a commonwealth’s attorney to act as special prosecutors in this case. Attorney General Russell Coleman assured the public of a thorough investigation, stating, “We will fully investigate and pursue justice.”

The incident has garnered the attention of state officials, including Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter, who shared his shock over the violence. He noted that the judicial system has been deeply affected by such tragic news.

Following the shooting, Letcher County’s judge-executive ordered the closure of the courthouse for the following day. Authorities have yet to confirm whether Sheriff Stines has retained legal counsel, as inquiries into his representation have gone unanswered so far.

Governor Andy Beshear also reacted to the shooting, expressing his concern about the rising tide of violence in society. In a heartfelt social media post, he stated, “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”

Judge Mullins, aged 54 at the time of his death, was well-known in the community for his dedication to improving substance abuse treatment within the judicial framework. He played an instrumental role in connecting hundreds of county residents with inpatient treatment options, and in 2022, he spoke at a drug summit about his work.

Mullins helped initiate the Addiction Recovery Care program, which offered vital peer support services within the courthouse and was implemented in over 50 counties across Kentucky. He also served on the Responsive Effort to Support Treatment in Opioid Recovery Efforts Leadership Team, further underscoring his commitment to addressing addiction issues.

In the aftermath of the shooting, schools in the vicinity were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure, underscoring the severity of the incident. While the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, mourns the loss of a dedicated judge, and grapples with the implications of this violent act.