Sheriff kills judge in court and is arrested! – Nachrichten AG

In a shocking incident at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, was arrested for the fatal shooting of 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins during an alleged argument in the judge's chambers Thursday afternoon. Stines, whose job is normally to ensure the safety of judges, turned himself in immediately after the shooting and is now charged with first-degree murder, according to Kentucky State Police. This tragic event has left the close-knit community of about 1,711 residents stunned and led to increased calls for improved security measures at the courthouse, such as the installation of metal detectors.

The shooting, which occurred just before 3 p.m., prompted an immediate lockdown of surrounding public schools due to fears of a shooting. Judge Mullins was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Stines, who served as sheriff for eight years, is currently being held in Leslie County. His first court date is scheduled for Sept. 25. Investigators are looking into the circumstances of the argument that led to the violence, and further investigations are focusing on possible connections to a recent federal lawsuit against Stines. In response to this tragedy, all Kentucky Court of Justice facilities will fly their flags at half-staff in honor of Mullins. For ongoing updates, visit www.wrtv.com.