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Letcher County district judge shot and killed; County sheriff arrested and charged with murder

47th Judicial District Judge Kevin Mullins. He was shot and killed 09/19/24.
47th Judicial District Judge Kevin Mullins. He was shot and killed 09/19/24.

The Letcher County sheriff is being charged with first degree murder after the shooting death of the 47th Judicial District judge. 43-year old Mickey Stines has been charged in the death of 54-year old Kevin Mullins.

Kentucky State Police received a 9-1-1 call of a shooting at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg around 3pm Thursday.

During a press conference, KSP Trooper Matt Gayheart said it appeared the two men were having an argument.

“Preliminary investigation indicated that Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines fired at District Judge Kevin Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse.”

Trooper Gayheart said officers and emergency personnel found Mullins in his office with multiple gunshot wounds.

“Lifesaving measures were taken, however, were unsuccessful, he was pronounced deceased at the scene by Letcher County Coroner's office.”

Trooper Gayheart said Stines surrendered himself to police without incident. He has been transported to a correctional facility. The KSP are still investigating the incident.

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Stan Ingold is WEKU's News Director. He has worked in public broadcasting for 18 years, starting at Morehead State Public Radio before spending the past 10 years at Alabama Public Radio. Stan has been honored with numerous journalism awards for his public radio reporting.
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