Sheriff Allegedly Murders Judge in His Chambers

A Kentucky sheriff allegedly shot and killed a state judge on Thursday in a rural Kentucky courthouse after an argument.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, allegedly shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, following an argument in the judge‘s chambers, according to The Associated Press (AP). A preliminary investigation revealed that Stines fired multiple gunshots at Mullins after an argument inside the courthouse.

Stines surrendered after the incident and has been charged with first-degree murder, as authorities continue to investigate the motives and details behind the confrontation, Kentucky State Police said during the press briefing. Police stated that no one else was in the chambers during the shooting, although there were people inside the building.

Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear reacted to the shooting on social media. “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,” Beshear wrote on Facebook. (Read more from “Sheriff Allegedly Murders Judge in His Chambers” HERE)