Ky. Sheriff Charged with Murder After District Judge Found Dead in His Chamber

Mar. 15, 2025

A Kentucky judge was shot and killed in his chambers on Thursday, Sept. 19, and a sheriff has been charged with murder.

State Auditor of Public Accounts of the Commonwealth, Allison Ball, identified the deceased as District Judge Kevin Mullins in apost on X.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart said during apress conferenceThursday night that officers received a call about shots being fired inside the Letcher County courthouse shortly before 3:00 p.m.

District Judge Kevin Mullins (left), Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines (right).Kentucky Court of Justice via AP; Letcher County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook

Kentucky Court of Justice via AP; Letcher County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook

According to Gayheart, a preliminary investigation showed that Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, allegedly fired at Mullins, 54, “following an argument inside the courthouse.”

Photo of the Letcher County Courthouse.

While Gayheart said that officials have not learned of a motive and the investigation remains ongoing, he confirmed that Stines was “arrested on scene without incident shortly after officials arrive.”

“Sheriff Stines was placed under arrest and transported to a correctional facility. He was charged with one count of murder in the first degree,” added Gayheart.

District Judge Kevin Mullins.Letcher County Government

Letcher County Government

Kentucky State Police Trooper Gayheart also confirmed the news in apress release.

According to a Letcher Countywebsite, Mullins presided over the 47th District Judicial District, which oversees “ordinances, misdemeanors, violations, traffic offenses, probate of wills, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, small claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and cases relating to domestic violence and abuse.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also reacted to the shooting,writing on X, " 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."

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines.Letcher County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook

Letcher County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Lexer County judge/executive Terry Adamssigned an order closing the county courthouse on Friday, Sept. 20.

source: people.com