Kentucky officials say sheriff fatally shot judge in courthouse chambers
Attorney General Russell Coleman promised a full investigation
by Antonio Planas | NBC News · 5 NBCDFWA sheriff in Kentucky is accused of fatally shooting a district judge at a courthouse on Thursday, authorities said.
Judge Kevin Mullins was in his district office when he was shot shortly before 3 p.m., and Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines has been detained in the slaying, Kentucky State Police said Thursday night.
Stines, a two-term sheriff, is expected to be charged with first-degree murder, state police said.
No motive in the shooting was disclosed.
Investigators were "trying to get answers to what led up to the actual shooting," State Trooper Matt Gayheart said at an evening news conference.
The judge was shot multiple times after an argument with Stines, state police said.
There were other people in the building when the shooting occurred, but nobody else in the judge's chambers, Gayheart said. Stines turned himself in to authorities at the scene, Gayheart said, adding that he believes there is surveillance video within the courthouse.
The Letcher County Courthouse is in Whitesburg, about 200 miles southeast of Louisville.
The small community was "shook" by the deadly violence, the trooper said.
"We could use everybody's prayers. Say prayers for the family, that they get through this difficult time," he said.
Relatives for Mullins and Stines were not reached for comment on Thursday.
According to a Letcher County website, Mullins was a judge in the 47th Judicial District, overseeing juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and domestic violence cases.
The Kentucky Court of Justice, the state court system, said it is working with the state police.
"While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way that we can," the court said in a statement. "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 promised a full investigation.
"Following the deadly shooting in Letcher County, our Office will collaborate with Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele as special prosecutors in this case. We will fully investigate and pursue justice," Coleman said on X.
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