Kentucky Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Shooting Judge Kevin Mullins in Courthouse Incident

In an incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the state of Kentucky, Letcher County Animals Conservation Department worker Shawn M. Stines was arrested and charged with the shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins at the Letcher County courthouse on Thursday, marking a dark day for the community. Stines, 43, was arraigned via video link from the Leslie County Jail, detailing the shocking events that transpired in the courthouse, approximately 217 miles southeast of Louisville.

Kentucky sheriff charged in the fatal shooting

The confrontation between Stines and Judge Mullins led to a tragic escalation, resulting in the tragic shooting that claimed the life of the 54-year-old judge. The incident has left the local community reeling, with strong condemnation and disbelief echoing throughout Letcher County. District Judge Murphy, during a solemn address, expressed the profound grief felt not only for the lost life but for the devastation inflicted upon the community. Subsequent to the shooting, Mullins, described as beloved and respected, was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting immediate action by authorities, who arrested Stines and held him in custody.

During the brief arraignment hearing, Stines was assigned a temporary public defender and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on October 1. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, with Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart revealing that preliminary information suggests an altercation led to the tragic incident. Mullins was reportedly shot multiple times during the incident, and Stines subsequently surrendered to authorities, compounding the sorrow felt by the community.

The news of Judge Mullins' untimely passing has elicited an overwhelming outpouring of grief from the community and beyond. Matt Butler, commonwealth attorney for Letcher County and Mullins' brother-in-law, described the event as an "unspeakable tragedy," emphasizing the profound void left by the judge's absence. The community has come together to mourn the loss, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from various quarters, highlighting Mullins' enduring impact on the lives he touched.