Kentucky sheriff charged with killing Letcher County judge in his chambers

A Kentucky sheriff was charged with the murder of a district court judge in his chambers on Thursday.

Kentucky State Police said they received a 9-1-1 call from the Letcher County Courthouse in reference to shots being fired inside the building.

Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines surrendered to police following the shooting death of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins at the County Courthouse in Whitesburg at around 3pm.  

Witnesses said the sheriff walked into the judge's outer office and told court employees he needed to speak to Judge Mullins alone.

Stines and Mullins entered the judge's inner office, closed the door and those outside heard gunshots. Stines then walked out with his hands raised and surrendered to officers, who placed him in handcuffs.

Stines was charged with first degree murder.

Mullins was pronounced dead at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office.

Stines was elected as the Sheriff of Letcher County in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

Letcher County is located on Kentucky-Virginia border about 150 miles southeast of Lexington.




(Photos: Letcher County Sheriff's Department; Letcher County Government)