Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers on Thursday, according to authorities.
The incident occurred at the Letcher County Courthouse, where Judge Mullins, who had presided over the county, was shot and killed, according to the Kentucky State Police.
Sheriff Stines has been arrested and faces a murder charge in connection with the judge’s death, state police confirmed.
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A 911 call was made shortly before 3 p.m. ET, reporting gunfire inside the courthouse. Responding officers found Judge Mullins, 54, with multiple gunshot wounds in his chambers, according to Governor Andy Beshear.
During a Thursday night press briefing, officials stated that despite lifesaving efforts, Mullins succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Stines, 43, allegedly shot Mullins after an argument inside the courthouse, according to a statement from the Kentucky State Police. At the briefing, officials noted that they have not yet confirmed if Stines used his service weapon.
He was arrested without resistance and charged with first-degree murder. Stines has been taken to a detention center and is cooperating with investigators, officials said. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
No other injuries were reported, said Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart, in a media statement.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. Gayheart assured the public that the incident was isolated and posed no further threat.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that his office will work alongside Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele, representing the 27th Judicial Circuit, as special prosecutors in the case. “We will thoroughly investigate and seek justice,” Coleman said in a statement.
The Kentucky Court of Justice issued a statement expressing its support for law enforcement and offering assistance during the investigation. “Our deepest sympathies go out to those affected by this tragic event,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time.”
