A small community in southeast Kentucky is grappling with the shocking arrest of Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, who has been charged with the first-degree murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54.
The incident occurred on Thursday in Mullins’ chambers at the Letcher County courthouse, leading to a call for improved courthouse security measures amidst heightened fears.
According to Kentucky State Police, Stines turned himself in at the scene following the shooting, which was precipitated by an argument between the sheriff and the judge.
The event has left the town of Whitesburg, with a population of just 1,711, in a state of disbelief.
“This community is small in nature, and we’re all shook,” said Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart at a Thursday news conference, according to CNN. “This is the first time a tragedy of this magnitude has afflicted the county.”
The situation escalated around 3 p.m. when police received a 911 call regarding shots fired inside the courthouse. Court officials acted quickly to evacuate staff and attorneys, while local schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Judge Mullins, who had served for 15 years, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff, a prominent figure in the community for eight years, now faces serious legal repercussions and has been jailed in Leslie County, with his first court appearance set for Sept. 25.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and the community is calling for enhanced safety protocols at the courthouse, including the installation of metal detectors. Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Butler highlighted the lack of security measures, stating:
“This is unacceptable in 2024.”
In a twist of events, just days prior to the shooting, Stines was deposed in a federal lawsuit involving a former deputy accused of coercing a woman to engage in sexual acts in Mullins’ chambers in 2021.
This case raises questions about the environment leading up to the tragic event and whether it played a role in the sheriff’s actions.
As the investigation unfolds, residents and officials alike are seeking clarity on the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
“I can’t imagine the scar this will leave on our community,” said Ben Gish, editor of the local newspaper, Mountain Eagle.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, flags at Kentucky Court of Justice facilities will be flown at half-staff until Monday in honor of Judge Mullins.
The Kentucky Attorney General’s office will collaborate with local prosecutors to ensure a thorough investigation.
