District Judge Kevin Mullins died, Sheriff Mickey Stines Arrested in Letcher County Courthouse Shooting, Wife Mourns
Kentucky State Police and Letcher County Coroner Perry Fowler remained at the Letcher County Courthouse as of 5 p.m. today, investigating the shooting death of Letcher District Judge Kevin D. Mullins. The judge was reportedly shot by Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines.
Authorities stated that Sheriff Stines was detained after surrendering to police. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. today (September 19) inside the judge’s chambers. Main Street in Whitesburg was blocked off, and police cleared the surrounding area. According to witnesses, Stines entered the judge’s outer office and asked court officials to leave so he could speak privately with Judge Mullins.
After entering the judge’s private office and closing the door, those outside heard gunshots. Stines then exited with his hands raised and surrendered to authorities. Shocked court staff gathered on the sidewalk outside the building as Stines was handcuffed in the courthouse foyer. Officials indicated that the investigation would continue for several more hours.
Kevin Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound to the head. The tragic event followed an altercation between the sheriff and the judge, the details of which are still under investigation. Mullins is remembered as a loving husband and devoted father of two.
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