A rural Kentucky sheriff who shot and killed a judge in his own courtroom is pictured in his mugshot.
Lechter County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, is accused of shooting and killing District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in Whitesburg County Court on Thursday.
Stines allegedly shot Judge Mullins multiple times in his office after a brief argument.
Mullins, who served as a judge for 15 years, died at the scene and Stines turned himself in without incident. He is charged with first-degree murder.
Police have not released a motive for the shooting.
Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, is accused of shooting and killing District Court Judge Kevin Mullins
Stines allegedly shot Judge Mullins in his office after a brief argument.
The fatal shooting sent shockwaves through a tight-knit Appalachian town and county seat of about 1,700 residents located about 145 miles southeast of Lexington.
Chief County Attorney Matt Butler described an outpouring of sympathy as he recused himself and his office from investigations into the shooting, citing social and family ties to Mullins.
“We all know each other here… Anyone from Letcher County would tell you that Judge Mullins and I married sisters and have children who are first cousins but act like brothers,” Butler said in a statement from his office.
‘For that reason, among others, I have already taken steps to recuse myself and my entire office.’
Letcher County Judge-Executive on Friday signed an order closing the county courthouse where the shooting took place.
Stines was elected sheriff in 2018 and is up for re-election in 2022.
Letcher County Judge-Executive on Friday signed an order closing the county courthouse where the shooting took place.
Mullins was appointed to serve as a judge in the state’s 47th District under former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009.
He oversaw juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic violations, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and domestic violence cases, according to a Letcher County website.
Mullins also gained recognition for his efforts to treat those 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.
He previously served as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for nine and a half years, focusing on drug-related crimes.
Meanwhile, Stines was elected sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.