A Kentucky sheriff has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a judge inside his office on Thursday.
Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines turned himself in to police after the shooting death of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins at the county courthouse around 3 p.m. The Mountain Eagle reports.
The sheriff allegedly walked into the judge’s outer office and told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with Mullins alone.
He and Mullins then entered the judge’s inner chambers, closed the door and those outside heard gunshots, according to The Mountain Eagle.
Stines then walked out with his hands up and surrendered to the officers, who placed him in handcuffs.
District Court Judge Kevin Mullins was shot and killed in his chambers on Thursday
Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines reportedly turned himself in to police after the shooting.
The coroner has since confirmed that one person was killed in a shooting at the courthouse, but has not identified the victim. according to WKYT.
However, Gov. Andy Beshear later… published in X that he has been informed that a district judge was murdered in his office.
“There is too much violence in this world and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow,” she wrote.
Mullins was appointed to serve as a district judge under former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009.
The sheriff reportedly told court employees he needed to speak to Mullins alone, and the two entered his inner office and closed the door before witnesses heard gunshots.
He previously served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for nine and a half years, focusing on drug-related crimes.
As a judge, Mullins gained recognition for his efforts to treat people with drug addiction rather than incarcerate them, starting a program in 2010 that allowed inmates with substance abuse disorders to enroll in inpatient treatment as a condition of pretrial release.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear and Kentucky State Police and Lechter County Coroner Perry Fowler were still investigating the scene as of 5 p.m. local time.
The Kentucky Court of Justice says it is now “in contact with law enforcement agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, and is offering our full support during this difficult time.”
“While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way we can,” the court said on social media.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.’
Attorney General Russell Coleman also announced on social media that his office will be working with the state attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit as special prosecutors on the case.