Kentucky sheriff murders judge in his own office, Governor Beshear expresses his condolences

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, is alleged to have shot and killed 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins following an argument in the judge's chambers of a courthouse in rural Kentucky.

According to authorities, after a heated exchange, Stines shot Mullins multiple times and later turned himself in to police. He has been charged with first-degree murder and an investigation into the motive behind the incident is ongoing.

Both Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Supreme Court expressed their condolences and stressed the need for a less violent future. No other people were present at the shooting.

A Kentucky sheriff is said to have shot and killed a state judge after an argument in a rural courthouse on Thursday.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, allegedly shot and killed 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins after an argument in the judge's chambers, according to The Associated Press (AP). A preliminary investigation found that Stines fired several shots at Mullins after an argument in the courthouse.

Stines turned himself in after the incident and was charged with first-degree murder, while authorities continue to investigate the motive and details of the altercation, Kentucky State Police said during the press conference. Police said that although there were people inside the building, no one else was in the premises during the shooting.

Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear responded to the shooting on social media. “Sadly, I was informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his office this afternoon. There is far too much violence in this world and I pray there is a path to a better future,” Beshear wrote on Facebook.

The Kentucky Court of Justice also issued a statement regarding the incident. “The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County. We are currently in contact with law enforcement, including the Kentucky State Police, and offer our full support during this difficult time,” the statement said. “We are unable to provide any further details at this time, but will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Kentucky State Police did not immediately respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation's request for comment.

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Beachwood, NJ – The Beachwood Police Department swore in three new officers during Wednesday night’s council meeting.

Officer Tyler Gebler comes from the East Windsor Township Police Department where he served as a full-time police officer for six years. Officer Gebler's experience includes training and certification in traffic accident investigation, service in the Uniformed Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Unit, Field Training Officer Unit, and work as a certified evidence recovery technician. He has received various departmental awards and certifications for his service and will now be based in Beachwood full-time.

Officers Sean Delaporte and Robert Biele are also joining the Beachwood Police Department. They both previously served part-time in their departments' Uniformed Patrol Divisions as Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers. Delaporte and Biele will now serve in the Borough of Beachwood as Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers.

The department was excited to welcome Gebler, Delaporte and Biele to its team. The officers are expected to have a positive impact on the Beachwood community.

For more details about the new officers, visit the Beachwood Police Department's official Facebook page.

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Monmouth County corrections officer has been charged in connection with an attack on a couple at an Atlantic City casino, authorities said Tuesday. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared online, led to the officer's suspension without pay.

Officer Keila Diaz was involved in the altercation at an unspecified casino, officials said. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden confirmed the suspension and noted that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not given a motive for the attack.

Footage of the incident circulating on social media shows Diaz confronting and attacking the couple. Specific details about the reason for the confrontation have not been released.

“Such conduct is inexcusable for anyone, but especially for a member of law enforcement who should demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, honor and integrity at all times, on or off duty,” he said.

The criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing. Further details on the couple's condition or the specific charges against Diaz were not available as of Tuesday.

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED:

County officials have not yet issued a statement on this week's pizza box brawl at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. A woman who was arrested during that brawl after hitting a woman with a pizza box has been identified as a Monmouth County corrections officer.

According to Atlantic City police, a couple was arrested early Sunday morning after an alleged attack on another couple at the Quarter at Tropicana.

Officers Jose Zamorano and Moustafa Maarouf responded to reports of a physical altercation involving multiple people that occurred around 2:56 a.m. on September 15. Following the investigation, Damian Pineyro, 35, and Keila Diaz, 47, were taken into custody.

According to records, Diaz works for the Monmouth County Jail. Diaz graduated from the Monmouth County Correctional Officers Course in 2014 and earns about $64,000 a year. Diaz was caught on video wearing high heels and a short skirt and armed with a pizza box. After smashing the victim with the box, sending the pizza flying across the gallery of the Tropicana Hotel, she and her boyfriend allegedly beat the woman until she lost consciousness.

Police allege Pineyro harassed the victims before punching the female victim in the face.

After she fell, Pineyro allegedly attacked the male victim and brandished a knife, although no contact was made. Diaz is accused of kicking and punching the female victim, who lost consciousness during the attack. She was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Pineyro was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and terroristic threats. Diaz is charged with aggravated assault and simple assault.

Both were released on summons and are expected to appear in court soon.

Monmouth County has not yet released any information as to whether or not Diaz has been suspended for her involvement in the violent attack.