Kentucky sheriff pleads not guilty in fatal shooting of judge charge

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges after fatally shooting Judge Kevin Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and Stines is being held in Leslie County jail while awaiting a preliminary hearing on October 1. The small community was shocked by the tragedy, with the Commonwealth Attorney for Letcher County, Matt Butler, calling it unspeakable and devastating. Butler recused himself and his office from the case due to personal ties with the judge, and the case will be handled by the Kentucky Attorney General and the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit. Mullins, a well-loved figure in the community, was remembered for his humor and wit outside of court. His funeral service saw an outpouring of support from the community. Stines surrendered to authorities after the shooting, and the community is still reeling from the events that transpired at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg.

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