Kentucky sheriff arrested for allegedly killing judge after courthouse dispute

A sheriff in rural Kentucky was arrested on Thursday, accused of fatally shooting a district court judge following an argument inside the courthouse, according to officials.

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, was taken into custody at the Letcher County Courthouse without resistance. District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was shot and killed during the incident, Kentucky State Police confirmed in a statement.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the shooting. Stines has been charged with one count of first-degree murder. "There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow," Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed on X.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman assured that his office would collaborate with special prosecutors, stating on social media, "We will fully investigate and pursue justice." The Kentucky Court of Justice also addressed the tragic event, offering its full support to state police in the ongoing investigation.

The shooting took place in Whitesburg, the county seat of Letcher County, located around 220 miles (350 km) southeast of Louisville, near the Virginia border.

According to The Mountain Eagle, Sheriff Stines entered the judge's outer office and requested to speak with Mullins alone. After the two entered the inner office and closed the door, gunshots were heard. Stines emerged from the office with his hands raised and surrendered to police, the local newspaper reported.