In a shocking incident in Whitesburg, Kentucky, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines has been charged with the first-degree murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins. The shooting occurred inside the courthouse during what appears to have been an argument, resulting in Mullins‘ death on the scene. Sheriff Stines, 43, surrendered to authorities shortly afterward. This tragic event has left the community reeling, as both men were well-respected figures in the area, known for their friendship and collaborative efforts to address local issues, including substance abuse.
The confrontation comes amid a complex backdrop involving Stines’ former deputy, who pleaded guilty to rape, which has cast a shadow over the sheriff’s actions. According to Kentucky State Police, Stines had just dealt with the fallout from a lawsuit related to that case. There’s still much that remains unclear about the motive behind the shooting, with family and friends expressing disbelief at the sudden violence. Authorities plan to appoint special prosecutors for the case, as local officials recuse themselves due to personal ties with the judge. For more details on this developing story, see the report from www.newsandsentinel.com.