Sheriff Arrested for Courthouse Murder
In a shocking incident on Thursday, Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, inside the Letcher County Courthouse. The shooting occurred following an argument between the two officials, Kentucky State Police reported.
Stines was taken into custody without incident at the scene. The authorities have charged him with first-degree murder, though they have not yet disclosed a motive for the killing.
Governor and Attorney General Respond to Tragedy
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences and concern following the courthouse shooting, posting on X: “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”
Attorney General Russell Coleman also weighed in, announcing that his office will work closely with special prosecutors to investigate the case. “We will fully investigate and pursue justice,” Coleman stated in a social media post.
Details of the Shooting Emerge
The deadly encounter took place in Whitesburg, the seat of Letcher County, located about 220 miles southeast of Louisville. According to local reports from The Mountain Eagle, Sheriff Stines entered the judge’s office and asked to speak with Mullins privately. After closing the door, shots were heard, and Stines emerged from the office with his hands raised, surrendering to law enforcement on the scene.
District Judge Kevin Mullins was declared dead at the courthouse.
Kentucky Court System Responds
The Kentucky Court of Justice issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy, expressing its full support for the investigation led by the Kentucky State Police. “We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County and will work closely with authorities as the investigation proceeds,” the court wrote on social media.
