New mugshot of Kentucky sheriff who ‘shot dead judge in courthouse’ is seen looking stone-faced
A Kentucky sheriff who shot and killed a judge in his own courtroom is seen in his arrest photo.
Lechter County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, is accused of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, by gunshot at the local courthouse in Whitesburg on Thursday.
Stines allegedly shot Judge Mullins multiple times in his office after a brief argument.
Mullins, who served as a judge for 15 years, died at the scene and Stines surrendered without incident. He is charged with first-degree murder.
Police have not yet released a motive for the shooting.
Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, is accused of the shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins
Stines allegedly shot Judge Mullins in his office after a short argument
The deadly shooting sent shockwaves through the close-knit Appalachian town and the seat of a county of about 1,700 people about 145 miles (233 kilometers) southeast of Lexington.
Chief District Attorney Matt Butler said he showed tremendous compassion when he recused himself and his office from the investigation into the shooting, noting that he had social and family ties to Mullins.
“We all know each other here. … Anyone from Letcher County would tell you that Judge Mullins and I married sisters and have children who are first cousins but act like brothers and sisters,” Butler said in a statement from his office.
‘That is why I have taken measures, among other things, to exclude myself and my entire office.’
Letcher County’s chief judge signed an order Friday closing the county courthouse where the shooting occurred
Stines was elected sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022
The Letcher County judge-executive signed an order Friday closing the courthouse where the shooting took place.
Mullins was appointed to the state’s 47th District judgeship in 2009 under former Governor Steve Beshear.
According to a Letcher County website, he oversaw juvenile cases, municipal and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic violations, citations, probation hearings, claims of $2,500 or less, civil cases of $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments, and domestic violence cases.
Mullins also received recognition for his efforts to treat people with drug addiction rather than incarcerate them. In 2010, he started a program that allowed inmates with substance abuse disorders to enroll in inpatient treatment as a condition of parole.
He previously served as an assistant district attorney for nine and a half years, where he primarily focused on drug-related crimes.
Stines was elected sheriff in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.