A local sheriff allegedly shot and killed a district judge , identified as Kevin Mullins , inside the Letcher County Courthouse in Kentucky on Thursday, according to police.
Kentucky state police trooper Matt Gayheart, as reported by CBS News, said that the Letcher County sheriff Mickey Stines shot and killed Judge Mullins, 54, in the judge's chambers after an argument. "Mullins was shot multiple times," Gayheart said.
Police arrested Stines at the courthouse. He has been charged with first-degree murder.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear confirmed Mullins' death on social media. "Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon," Beshear posted on X. He also expressed concern over the violence, writing, “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”
Gayheart stated that the incident is isolated and does not pose a wider threat. "It did take place inside the courthouse," he said, as quoted by ABC News.
The exact time of the shooting is still unknown, according to Gayheart. There were multiple witnesses, but no other injuries were reported.
Trooper Gayheart mentioned that it is too early to determine the motive behind the shooting. "Anytime a situation like this takes place, especially in a small town, it shakes the very foundation of what the town is, and this is no different," he said.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Kentucky attorney general Russell Coleman said his office will work with a regional commonwealth's attorney as special prosecutors in the case. “We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Coleman said.
The Kentucky Court of Justice is collaborating with the Kentucky State Police and other authorities in the ongoing investigation. Kentucky court officials released a statement on social media, saying, "The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County. We are currently in contact with law enforcement agencies, including Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time. While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way that we can."
Following the shooting, Letcher County Central High School went into a mandatory lockdown as a precaution, according to the school system's social media post, assuring, "Your children are safe... Your children were never in a concerning situation."
Kentucky state police trooper Matt Gayheart, as reported by CBS News, said that the Letcher County sheriff Mickey Stines shot and killed Judge Mullins, 54, in the judge's chambers after an argument. "Mullins was shot multiple times," Gayheart said.
Police arrested Stines at the courthouse. He has been charged with first-degree murder.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear confirmed Mullins' death on social media. "Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon," Beshear posted on X. He also expressed concern over the violence, writing, “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”
Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 19, 2024
There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow. ^AB
Gayheart stated that the incident is isolated and does not pose a wider threat. "It did take place inside the courthouse," he said, as quoted by ABC News.
The exact time of the shooting is still unknown, according to Gayheart. There were multiple witnesses, but no other injuries were reported.
Trooper Gayheart mentioned that it is too early to determine the motive behind the shooting. "Anytime a situation like this takes place, especially in a small town, it shakes the very foundation of what the town is, and this is no different," he said.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
Kentucky attorney general Russell Coleman said his office will work with a regional commonwealth's attorney as special prosecutors in the case. “We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Coleman said.
The Kentucky Court of Justice is collaborating with the Kentucky State Police and other authorities in the ongoing investigation. Kentucky court officials released a statement on social media, saying, "The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County. We are currently in contact with law enforcement agencies, including Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time. While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way that we can."
Following the shooting, Letcher County Central High School went into a mandatory lockdown as a precaution, according to the school system's social media post, assuring, "Your children are safe... Your children were never in a concerning situation."
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