Kentucky Judge Killed in Chambers After Fight With Sheriff (1)

A Kentucky state judge was shot and killed in his chambers on Thursday afternoon, state officials announced.

District Judge Kevin Mullins was found with gunshot wounds just after 3 p.m. EST and soon died after officers attempted life saving measures, a representative with the Kentucky State Police said in a press conference.

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was arrested on suspicion of the fatal shooting, according to the state police. The shooting followed an argument between Stines and Mullins in the courthouse.

The shooting happened at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Ky., Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said in a post on X, confirming the judge’s death.

“There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow,” Beshear said in his post.

The Kentucky Court of Justice acknowledged the incident and said it was working with law enforcement agencies, including the state police, according to a Facebook post.

“The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County,” the state court agency said in its post. “At this moment, we are not able to share further details, but we will provide updates as more information becomes available.”