Kentucky sheriff arrested for shooting and killing judge in court

A Kentucky sheriff has been arrested and charged with shooting and killing a judge, according to police. District Judge Kevin Mullins died at the scene.

Kentucky State Police say he was shot multiple times and then killed at the Letcher County Courthouse. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines, 43, has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

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Police say the shooting occurred after an argument in court on Thursday but have not yet given a motive.

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Authorities said Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times around 2 p.m. local time on Thursday in a courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Whitesburg is a small rural town about 240 miles southeast of Lexington.

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Kentucky State Police said Sheriff Stines was arrested at the scene without incident. They did not provide any details about the nature of the altercation that preceded the shooting.

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According to the Mountain Eagle, Sheriff Steans came into the judge’s chambers and told court officials he needed to speak to Mullins alone.

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Lawrence B. Van Meter, Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court, said he was "appalled by this act of violence."

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Announcing Judge Mullins' death on social media, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said, "There is too much violence in this world. I pray that there is a way to a better future."

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