Kentucky sheriff allegedly shoots and kills judge in courthouse: report

Image via screengrab/Mountain Top News.
Maya Boddie
September 19, 2024Push Notification

A Kentucky court staff has been left "in shock" after the Letcher County sheriff allegedly shot and killed Letcher District Judge Kevin D. Mullins Thursday, The Mountain Eagle reports.

Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear wrote via X, "Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon. There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow."

Per The Mountain Eagle, Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was arrested "in the foyer of the courthouse" after he murdered Mullins "in the judge’s chambers about 3 p.m. this afternoon," leaving the courthouse staff "in shock."

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Appointed to the bench by Beshear in 2009, WKYT-TV reports that Mullins was known for his approach of providing mental health services to "those with drug addictions," opposed to throwing them in prison.

Per WTVQ, an ABC affiliate, reports that "Kentucky Courts released a statement acknowledging the incident: 'The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County. 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 that we can."

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The Mountain Eagle's full report is available at this link. WKYT's report is here. WTVQ's report is here.