Kentucky judge allegedly shot, killed by sheriff
Image of District Judge Kevin Mullins. (Kentucky Court of Justice)
A district judge out of Letcher County, Kentucky, was shot and killed in his chambers on Thursday afternoon.
Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was allegedly shot multiple times by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, according to Kentucky State Police.
Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene. Stines was taken into custody at the scene without incident, police said.
He was charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office will collaborate with Jackie Steele, the commonwealth’s attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, as special prosecutors in the case.
Letcher County Public Schools said it was ordered to go into mandatory lockdowns because of "an active shooting" in the downtown area.
"Your children are safe," the district wrote online. "The shooter has been apprehended, but KSP has not released us to come out of lockdown. Your children were never in a concerning situation. Please give us time to work with KSP to figure out our next steps."
The Kentucky Court of Justice system said it was aware of the killing and is cooperating with law enforcement.
"At this moment, we are not able to share further details, but we will provide updates as more information becomes available," it said on social media. "Our deepest sympathies go out to all those impacted by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this challenging time."