The shooting occurred at approximately 2:55 Thursday afternoon in the chambers of 47th District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, of Jackhorn, who was shot multiple times by Letcher Co. Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, of McRoberts.
The shooting followed Stines entering Mullins’ office area and telling staff that he wanted to talk to the judge alone. The two men then entered the judge’s chambers and closed the door. The two men could be heard briefly arguing when shots rang out. Mullins then exited the chambers with his hands up and surrendered to officers, multiple media outlets report.
Kentucky State Police said Stines has been charged with first-degree murder.
Stines was elected sheriff in 2018. Mullins was appointed a district court judge in 2009. Prior to that appointment, Mullins served as an assistant commonwealth attorney for nine-and-a-half years, according to WKYT.com.
Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office, in collaboration with the commonwealth’s attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, will serve as special prosecutors in the case.
The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
(Photo l-r: Letcher Co. Sheriff Mickey Stines, District Court Judge Kevin Mullins)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
