LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky State Police confirmed Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins at the Letcher County Courthouse Thursday afternoon in Whitesburg.
KSP said just before 3 p.m., Post 13, Hazard, received a 911 call "in reference to shots being fired from inside the building." First responders found Mullins with multiple gunshot wounds, and the Letcher County Coroner's Office pronounced him dead on the scene.
Stines was taken into custody after the incident, KSP said, and has been charged with one count of first-degree murder. KSP added the investigation remains ongoing. Newspaper the Mountain Eagle reports he surrendered to police after the shooting.
According to the Mountain Eagle, Stines allegedly walked in to the judge’s office and told employees he needed to speak with Mullins alone. The two men went into an office, closed the door and, according to the newspaper, shots were fired and Stines walked out with his hands up and surrendered.
Courthouse employees were out on the sidewalk after the incident. The courthouse is across the street from The Mountain Eagle newspaper.
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., acknowledged the shooting on X. He said, "There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow."
A statement from the Kentucky Court of Justice in Frankfort said, “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 we can.” The statement continued, “Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time.”
Attorney General Russell Coleman, R-Ky., said on X, his office would “fully investigate and pursue justice.”
Whitesburg, Kentucky is in far eastern Kentucky, approximately two and half hours from Lexington and almost four hours from Louisville.
This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.