A shocking act of violence unfolded in a small Kentucky town, leaving residents reeling and raising questions about safety in local government buildings.
On Thursday afternoon, a disagreement between two elected officials turned deadly when a county sheriff allegedly shot a district judge multiple times. The incident occurred inside the courthouse of Letcher County, nestled in the southeastern part of the Bluegrass State.
According to Kentucky State Police, the altercation resulted in the death of Kevin Mullins, 54, who served as judge for the 47th Judicial District. Despite immediate efforts to save his life, Mullins succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The alleged shooter, identified as Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, surrendered to authorities without resistance following the incident. Law enforcement officials report that Stines has been cooperative throughout the initial investigation.
Trooper Matt Gayheart addressed the media, acknowledging the profound impact on the community. “Our town is tight-knit, and this event has deeply shaken us all,” he stated.
Gov. Andy Beshear (D) expressed his condolences on social media, lamenting the prevalence of violence and calling for a more peaceful future.
The state’s top law enforcement official, Attorney General Russell Coleman, announced his office’s involvement in the case. Coleman pledged to work alongside local prosecutors to ensure a thorough investigation.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, many are left wondering about the events leading up to the fatal confrontation. Authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events, interviewing witnesses present in the building at the time.
Both Mullins and Stines were well-known figures in the area, having secured their positions through local elections. Mullins had served on the bench since 2010, while Stines began his tenure as sheriff in 2018.
This incident has cast a shadow over Whitesburg, a city of roughly 2,000 residents, prompting discussions about security measures in public buildings and the relationships between different branches of local government.
