Letcher County Judge Fatally Shot by Sheriff Amid Courthouse Dispute

The Kentucky State Police are intensifying their investigation into a fatal incident involving a district judge who was allegedly shot by a local sheriff in Letcher County. The tragedy unfolded at the Letcher County Courthouse on Thursday, where District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was reportedly killed by Sheriff Mickey Stines.

According to Matt Gayheart, a spokesperson for the Kentucky State Police, the shooting incident was reported around 2:55 p.m. Shortly after receiving the call, multiple first-response teams arrived at the courthouse, discovering Judge Mullins with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office.

An argument between Stines and the judge is believed to have precipitated the shooting, according to authorities. After the incident, Stines surrendered to law enforcement without resistance. The Kentucky State Police continue to spearhead the investigation, and authorities have yet to determine whether the weapon used belonged to Stines’ official duty arsenal.

Reports from a local newspaper in Whitesburg detail that Stines approached the courthouse employees, requesting a private discussion with Judge Mullins. Shortly after they entered Mullins’ office, gunshots were heard. Stines reportedly exited the room with his hands raised and was subsequently taken into custody.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the incident via social media, mourning the loss of Judge Mullins, who had served as the district judge of the 47th Judicial District since his appointment in 2009 by former Governor Steve Beshear. Prior to his judgeship, Mullins worked as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney and was noted for his efforts to provide alternatives to incarceration for individuals with substance use disorders. His advocacy was lauded by community members, including Mark O'Brien of The Hub, who credited Mullins with supporting addiction recovery initiatives in Letcher County.

Sheriff Mickey Stines, hailing from Neon, Kentucky, was elected sheriff in 2018. Prior to his election, he served as a bailiff for the Letcher County District Court. His tenure has been marred by controversies, including a federal lawsuit filed against a deputy sheriff under his supervision, which alleged misconduct involving coercion for sexual favors. Stines was implicated in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to adequately train the deputy.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Kentucky’s judiciary, with Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter expressing his sorrow and solidarity with the affected community. The announcement of the courthouse’s closure on Friday was made by Letcher County Judge/Executive Terry Adams, as a mark of respect and to accommodate ongoing investigations.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced that his office would collaborate with Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele to act as special prosecutors in the case. As investigations proceed, officials assure the public that this was an isolated event posing no further threat.

Judge Mullins, a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, is remembered for his decades-long commitment to legal service and community welfare, as residents of Letcher County mourn his untimely death.