In a tragic incident Thursday, Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines shot and killed Judge Kevin Mullins in the Letcher County Courthouse following an argument, Kentucky State Police said. The sheriff has been charged with first-degree murder.
The shooting occurred in Whitesburg, a small town southeast of Louisville. State police responded to a 911 call and found the 54-year-old judge with multiple gunshot wounds. Lifesaving efforts were made but failed, and Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene.
Trooper Matt Gayheart stated that Sheriff Stines, 43, surrendered without resistance and has since been cooperative. “This community is small in nature, and we’re all shook,” Gayheart said, explaining the effect of the tragedy on the local population.
Gov. Andy Beshear (D) expressed his condolences on social media, saying he hopes for a future with less violence. Attorney General Russell Coleman also promised a thorough investigation and collaboration with local prosecutors to ensure justice is served.
Judge Mullins, who had served the 47th Judicial District since 2010, was recently appointed to a state commission on mental health. Sheriff Stines, first elected in 2018, was re-elected in 2022. The investigation into the argument that led to the shooting is still ongoing.
