The Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky. District Judge Kevin Mullins, aged 54, was fatally shot inside his chambers by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines.
The shooting occurred following an argument between the two officials, according to state police. Stines, who turned himself in immediately after the incident, has been charged with first-degree murder. "There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow," Governor Andy Beshear expressed in a Facebook post, reflecting the community's shock and grief.
The investigation is being led by Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart, who confirmed that no one else was injured during the incident. "This community is small in nature, and we’re all shaken," Gayheart stated during a Thursday evening news conference.
The courthouse's security cameras and witness testimonies are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that his office would collaborate with Jackie Steele, the commonwealth’s attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, as special prosecutors on the case. "We will fully investigate and pursue justice," Coleman assured the public.
Comments