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A Kentucky Sheriff, Shawn Stines, 43, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following alleged fatal shooting of a district Judge, Kevin Mullins, in his chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse.
While the motive of the shooting remains sketchy, police are yet to issue an official statement on the nature of the argument that preceded the incident.
District Judge, Mullins, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot multiple times during an incident that unfolded around 14:00 local time in Whitesburg, a small town approximately 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Lexington.
According to reports from local newspaper, the Mountain Eagle, "Sheriff Stines entered the judge’s outer office and requested to speak privately with Mullins.
"They subsequently entered the judge’s chambers, closing the door behind them. Witnesses outside the chamber heard gunshots shortly thereafter."
Kentucky State Police confirmed that, "Sheriff Stines reportedly emerged with his hands raised and surrendered to police. He was handcuffed in the courthouse foyer."
Reacting to the incident, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, stated that his office would “fully investigate and pursue justice regarding the incident."
Also, a spokesman for the Kentucky State Police, Matt Gayheart, who expressed shock over the incident said about 50 employees were present in the courthouse during the shooting, but no other injuries were reported.
Following the incident, a nearby school was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B VanMeter expressed his dismay at the act of violence, stating that it was shocking.
Governor Andy Beshear, in a social platform post announced Judge Mullins’ death.
He also lamented the pervasive violence in society, stating, “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow.”
