Kentucky State Police report that Sheriff Shawn M. Stines has been arrested for allegedly fatally shooting a judge at the Letcher County Courthouse in Kentucky.
State police say the Kentucky sheriff was arrested after allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers.
According to Kentucky State Police (KSP), Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, following an argument inside the courthouse on Thursday afternoon.
Judge Mullins was reportedly in his office when Sheriff Stines allegedly shot him. State police confirmed that Stines has been detained and is expected to face first-degree murder charges.
Kentucky State Police Press Release
Kentucky State Police Conduct Letcher County Murder Investigation.
WHITESBURG, KY (Sept. 19, 2024) – On Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at approximately 2:55 p.m. EST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 13, Hazard, received a 9-1-1 call from the Letcher County Courthouse in reference to shots being fired from inside the building.
Several law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services responded to the scene and located District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, of Jackhorn, with multiple gunshot wounds. Lifesaving measures were attempted but unsuccessful. Mullins was pronounced deceased on scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, of McRoberts, fatally shot Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse. Stines was taken into custody at the scene without incident. Stines has been charged with one count of Murder. The investigation remains ongoing and is being investigated by KSP Post 13 Detective Clayton Stamper.
“The investigation remains ongoing and is being investigated by KSP Post 13…”
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What went wrong here: Lack of officer training? A culture that supports easy access to guns? Inadequate mental health support?
Why would an officer shooting a judge be considered normal? What needs to change for such incidents to be avoided in the future?