Wed Sep 25 03:01:49 UTC 2024: ## Kentucky Sheriff Charged with Murder of Judge in Courthouse
**Whitesburg, Kentucky** – The small town of Whitesburg is reeling after the alleged murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins in his courthouse chambers on September 19th. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently in jail.
The incident, which has garnered national and international attention, occurred around 2:55 pm local time. Witnesses report that the judge and sheriff had been arguing shortly before gunshots rang out on the second floor. Judge Mullins, who had served in his role since 2009, died at the scene.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, with police releasing limited details. Circuit court clerk Mike Watts, who had seen the pair earlier that day, described a seemingly ordinary interaction, with the Sheriff appearing quieter than usual. Watts emphasized that he was unaware of any prior issues between the two men, who were known to have a good working relationship.
Residents of Whitesburg, a town of approximately 1,700 people, are shocked and heartbroken by the incident. Those who knew the Sheriff describe him as a devoted family man who worked hard to combat drug abuse in the community, struggling to comprehend what could have led to the violence.
Judge Mullins was widely respected for his work promoting substance abuse treatment within the justice system. He was known for helping hundreds of residents access inpatient residential treatment and for creating a program offering peer support for addiction treatment within the courthouse.
Kentucky Attorney-General Russel Coleman has stated that his office will work with a regional commonwealth’s attorney as special prosecutors in the case, vowing to conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice. Sheriff Stines is scheduled to participate virtually in his arraignment on Wednesday.
First Piper 