Kentucky Authorities Investigate After Sheriff Is Reportedly Charged With Fatally Shooting Judge Inside Courthouse

Kentucky authorities are investigating after Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines has reportedly been charged with fatally shooting Judge Kevin Mullins inside a courthouse.

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More Details About The Charges Against Sheriff Shawn M. Stines
According to USA Today, Sheriff Shawn M. Stines has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

UPDATE | We’ve received the mugshot of Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines.

He’s charged with murder.

KSP says he shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers yesterday.

Stines is being held in the Leslie County Detention Center. @WKYT pic.twitter.com/2R7Mse9t8H

— Samantha Valentino (@SamanthaWKYT) September 20, 2024

Here’s What Allegedly Happened To Judge Kevin Mullians
According to the outlet, the shooting occurred during the afternoon of Thursday, September 19. According to a Facebook blurb reposted by the Kentucky State Police, authorities received a 9-1-1 call around 2:55 p.m. The call was reportedly “in reference to shots being fired from inside the building.”

Once “several law enforcement agencies” and “emergency medical services” arrived at the courthouse, they reportedly found Judge Kevin Mullins “with multiple gunshot wounds.”

“Lifesaving measures were attempted but unsuccessful. Mullins was pronounced deceased on scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office,” authorities’ Facebook repost asserts.

Additionally, the statement notes that a preliminary investigation has determined that Sheriff Stines fatally shot Judge Mullins after “an argument inside the courthouse.”

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines arrested after allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in his office.
Details: https://t.co/YFIonNZo3l pic.twitter.com/TytDk5x07Q

— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) September 19, 2024

Per USA Today, on Thursday, the governor of the state, Andy Beshear, reacted to the shooting with a statement shared via X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon.

There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow. ^AB

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 19, 2024

Ultimately, the Kentucky State Police reiterated via Facebook that their investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Another Shooting Has Recently Captured National Headlines
As the investigation into Kentucky gets underway, another shooting in Winder, Georgia, has recently captured nationwide headlines. As The Shade Room previously reported, on September 4, a 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, initiated gunfire at Apalachee High School.

Subsequently, two 14-year-old students and two teachers lost their lives. Additionally, Colt’s father, Colin, was charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and child cruelty, while the 14-year-old was charged with four felony counts of murder, per The Shade Room.

Authorities reportedly believe Colin allowed his son to possess a weapon despite being informed of school shooting threats suspected to have been made by him in 2023.

RELATED: UPDATE: 2023 Bodycam Footage Shows Colt Gray & His Father Being Interviewed After Alleged School Shooting Threats

Most recently, David Phenix, a math teacher at Apalachee, broke his silence about the tragic incident after reportedly being hospitalized for over a week for gunshot wounds.

RELATED: UPDATE: Teacher Wounded In Apalachee High School Shooting Breaks Silence
What Do You Think Roomies?