A Kentucky judge was shot and killed inside his courtroom on Thursday, and a local sheriff has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Kentucky State Police. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, was taken into custody at the scene without incident, police said.
He was charged with first-degree murder.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he was just notified that a Letcher County judge had been killed.
“There is too much violence in this world. I pray there is a way to a better tomorrow,” he wrote to X.
Kentucky State Police believe a body discovered by a couple livestreaming is that of a man who opened fire on a motorist.
A judge was killed at the Letcher County Courthouse in Kentucky on Thursday. (Google Maps)
State Public Auditor Alison Ball initially identified the victim as Mullins, before authorities released his name.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Kentucky State Police. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said he will serve as a special prosecutor in the case, working with Kentucky State's Attorney Jackie Steele of the 27th Judicial District.
“We will thoroughly investigate and seek justice,” he posted on social media.
Letcher County Public Schools announced a mandatory lockdown order had been issued due to a “active shooter incident” in the downtown area.
“Your children are safe,” the school district posted online. “The shooter has been arrested, but KSP has not put us on lockdown. We have never been in a situation where we felt concerned for your children. Please allow us time to work with KSP to determine next steps.”
Authorities said Thursday that District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was killed in the judge's chambers by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43. (Kentucky State Court, Letcher County Sheriff's Office)
The Kentucky Bar Association said it is aware of the murder and is cooperating with law enforcement.
“We are unable to provide further details at this time, but will provide updates as new information becomes available,” the company said on social media. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.”
Mullins served as a judge in the 47th Judicial District, overseeing juvenile cases, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic violations, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims under $2,500, civil actions under $5,000, voluntary and involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations and domestic violence cases, according to the court's website.
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Mullins has served as Letcher County's district judge since being appointed by former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009 and re-elected the following year. According to the Drug Summit program, where he spoke in 2022, Mullins promoted substance abuse treatment for people involved with the justice system and helped hundreds of residents access inpatient treatment facilities.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
