Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting judge in his chambers

A Kentucky sheriff has turned himself in for allegedly shooting a judge dead inside his chambers on Thursday after asking staff if he could speak with him.

Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, surrendered himself to police following the shooting death of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, at the County Courthouse at around 3pm, The Mountain Eagle reports.  

The sheriff allegedly walked into the judge's outer office, told court employees and others gathered there he needed to speak to Mullins alone.

He and Mullins then entered the judge's inner office, closed the door and those outside heard gunshots, according to The Mountain Eagle. 

Stines then walked out with his hands raised and surrendered to officers, who placed him in handcuffs. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder.

In the aftermath, Letcher County Central High School was placed on lockdown at the request of state police because of 'an active shooting downtown,' the school said in a statement.

'Your children are safe. The shooter has been apprehended,' the statement said, adding that the students were later released.

The coroner later confirmed that one person was killed in a shooting at the courthouse, but did not identify the victim, according to WKYT.

However, Gov. Andy Beshear later posted on X that he has been informed that a district judge was killed in his chambers.

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

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 offenses, 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 was previously an assistant commonwealth attorney for nine and a half years, focusing on drug-related offenses. 

Stines, meanwhile, was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022. 

A motive for the shooting remains unclear, and Kentucky State Police and Lechter County Coroner Perry Fowler were still investigating the scene as of 5pm local time.

It's 'early in the investigation' and officials are still 'trying to piece together' information and evidence, State Trooper Matt Gayheart said.

The Kentucky Court of Justice says it is also 'in contact with law enforcement agencies, including the Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time.

'While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way we can,' the court system said on social media.

'Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time.' 

Attorney General Russell Coleman has also announced on social media his office will work with the commonwealth's attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit as special prosecutors in the case.