UPDATE: September 19, 5:26 p.m.
According to the Mountain Eagle, Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins died as a result of a shooting at the Letcher County Courthouse Thursday afternoon.
In a Facebook post, the newspaper said authorities arrested Sheriff Mickey Stines in connection with the shooting after he turned himself in to police.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed Mullins’ death via X.
“Sadly, I was informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his office this afternoon,” Beshear said. “There is far too much violence in this world and I pray there is a path to a better future.”
Sadly, I was informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his office this afternoon.
There is far too much violence in this world and I pray there is a way to a better future. ^AB
– Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) 19 September 2024
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced via Facebook that the Attorney General’s office would “work with” Jackie Steele of the 27th Judicial District following the shooting.
“We will fully investigate the matter and seek justice,” Coleman said.
Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball wrote to X that she was “praying for Letcher County” and Judge Mullins.
“May God protect this community and everyone involved in the shooting,” Ball said.
I am praying for Letcher County and District Judge Kevin Mullins who was shot today. May God protect this community and all those involved in the shooting.
— CPA Allison Ball (@KYAuditor) 19 September 2024
A press release from the Kentucky Court of Appeals said the office was aware of the “tragic incident” in Letcher County.
The press release added that the branch is in contact with law enforcement authorities and “offers its full support during this time.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police responded to a fatal shooting at the Letcher County Courthouse on Thursday, and a sheriff was arrested in connection with the shooting, according to The Mountain Eagle.
The post detailed that the sheriff, reported as Mickey Stines, allegedly shot District Judge Kevin Mullins in his district office. The Letcher County Coroner confirmed to LEX 18 that it was a fatal shooting, but did not release the victim’s name.
Letcher County schools in the area were placed on lockdown and Letcher County Central High School reported that students were released at the direction of Kentucky State Police.
In addition, the Justice Department issued a statement on the shooting:
The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County. We are currently in contact with law enforcement, including the Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time. While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to assisting in any way we can.
This is a developing story and LEX 18 will have more information as it becomes available.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(742x269:744x271)/travis-kelce-taylor-swift-rumors-091523-tout-fcdb31c74c744c2bac83fcaca362b5c6.jpg "Travis Kelce’s team criticizes “completely wrong” separation agreement with Taylor Swift")
