In the close-knit community of Whitesburg, Kentucky tragedy struck when District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was fatally shot inside his courthouse chambers. The alleged shooter, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, was charged with first-degree murder following the incident on September 19, 2024. The fatal shooting shocked the town of Whitesburg, located 145 miles southeast of Lexington, which has a population of around 1,700 residents.

According to the Kentucky State Police, the altercation between Stines and Mullins escalated into a heated argument that ended terribly. Mullins, who had served as a district judge since 2009, was shot multiple times. Despite immediate response efforts, Mullins died from his injuries on the scene. Stines surrendered to law enforcement without incident.

Stines, who had lunch with Judge Mullins earlier in the day, was responsible for Mullins’ security.

Letcher County Prosecutor Matt Butler, a close relative of Mullins by marriage, described the community as “completely devastated.” Butler noted, “If you knew Letcher County, you would know that families stay tightly connected at all times and pull even more tightly during times of unspeakable tragedy like today.” Due to his personal connection to both Mullins and the community, Butler recused himself and his office from the investigation.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his condolences: “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.” Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter also voiced his shock, adding that the court system was “shaken by this news” and that his thoughts were with Mullins’ family and the Letcher County community as they grieve this loss.

Mullins was highly regarded for his work within the judicial system, particularly for promoting substance abuse treatment programs. His advocacy for addiction recovery led to numerous residents entering inpatient treatment, and he helped establish courthouse-based peer support programs aimed at assisting those struggling with addiction. 

The Kentucky Attorney General’s office will handle the investigation and collaborate with regional commonwealth’s attorney Jackie Steele to prosecute the case. No clear motive has been established, though the two men had been involved in a lawsuit deposition earlier that week concerning allegations involving a former deputy sheriff.

As reported by The Associated Press, Stines provided a deposition on Monday in a federal case related to accusations by a woman that a former deputy sheriff compelled her to engage in relations with him in Mullins’ office for six months, in return for preventing her imprisonment. Earlier this year, the former deputy sheriff, Ben Fields, admitted guilt to charges of rape and other offenses. He faced allegations of engaging in sexual acts with the woman, as well as another woman, inside his car, within the district judge’s office, and in an elevator at the Letcher County Courthouse.  Fields was sentenced this year to six months in jail and then six and a half years on probation. The lawsuit alleges that Stines showed intentional disregard by not properly training and supervising the deputy and failing to investigate the incidents.

The courthouse where the shooting occurred was ordered closed, with schools in the area briefly placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Authorities have emphasized that no other individuals were harmed in the incident. Stines is held without bond, awaiting his first court appearance scheduled for September 25 in Carter County, Kentucky.

As the town of Whitesburg comes to terms with this tragedy, many are left reflecting on the life and legacy of Judge Mullins, who served the community for over 15 years. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman reassured the public that the case would be fully investigated to ensure justice.

Mullins is survived by his wife and two daughters.