In a tragic and shocking event that has left the tight-knit community of Letcher County, Kentucky, in disbelief, a local sheriff is accused of fatally shooting a district judge hours after the two had lunch together, CNN reports.
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, is facing first-degree murder charges following the death of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, inside the courthouse on Thursday afternoon.
According to Circuit Clerk Mike Watts, the two officials were seen having lunch shortly before the incident, engaging in casual conversation.
“We were kind of joking around about national politics,” Watts told local media.
He described the encounter as a typical workday exchange, underscoring the community’s surprise at what followed.
Kentucky State Police said the shooting occurred after an argument between Stines and Mullins in the judge’s chambers, though the details of the confrontation remain unclear. Just before 3 p.m., a 911 call reported gunshots on the courthouse’s second floor. Mullins, who had served as a judge for 15 years, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.
The case has shaken the community.
“We’ve lost not just our sheriff and district judge, but two friends… I don’t know what happened, and the whole county is devastated,” Watts said.
Sheriff Stines, who was responsible for the courthouse’s security, including the judge’s, was arrested at the courthouse shortly after the shooting.
Kentucky State Police are continuing their investigation, analyzing footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the cause of the deadly confrontation. Stines is currently held in Leslie County Jail and is expected to appear in court on September 25.
Mullins’ death has left a profound impact on Letcher County and beyond. Known for his dedication to the community, Mullins was actively involved in initiatives to address mental health and substance abuse issues. His loss is felt deeply across the justice system, and a funeral service was held on Sunday to honor his memory.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the tragedy.
“No one saw this coming,” said Jerry Wagner, executive director of the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association.
“It’s a dark cloud over us that we don’t deserve,” added former Whitesburg mayor Garnard Kincer Jr., who was a close friend of the judge.
While the motive remains unclear, state authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind this shocking incident that has left Letcher County reeling.
