WHITESBURG, Ky. — People in Letcher County are still trying to process a shooting at the county courthouse Thursday afternoon that left a judge dead and the sheriff behind bars.

Kentucky State Police said Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins at the Letcher County Courthouse Thursday afternoon in Whitesburg.

Resident David Mullins, who told Spectrum News reporters he was not related to Judge Mullins, said he is still processing that something like this could happen so close to home.

“My initial thoughts were shock because, you know, as I said, nothing really violent ever happens here,” said Mullins.

Whitesburg is a small, eastern Kentucky city. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows each other, for the most part.

“It was even more shocking to find out who was involved,” said Mullins.

Lisa Haggard, who owns Forever Ice Cream, said her shop is usually busy at lunchtime. Friday, that was not the case.

“You can just tell it’s just devastation,” said Haggard. 

While speculation swirls about what led up to the shooting, Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said it’s important to let the investigation play out.

“I know there’s a whole lot that’s out there on the internet and elsewhere. This is an active, ongoing investigation. As a former prosecutor and the former AG [Attorney General], I’m not going to comment on any pieces of it to make suer that Kentucky State Police can continue that investigation,” said Beshear.

The only judge in Laurel County is dead. The sheriff is behind bars and charged with murder. Court operations are on pause there for now. Residents are left wondering what happened and what comes next.