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WHITESBURG, Ky. — A Kentucky sheriff has been arrested Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting of a district judge inside a courthouse, Kentucky State Police said.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was found with multiple gunshots, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, state police said.
A preliminary investigation found Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines shot Mullins after an argument inside the judge's chambers, according to state police.
Stines has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, state police added. It is unknown if Stines has an attorney.
"There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a Facebook post.
The shooting took place at the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, Kentucky State Police trooper Matt Gayheart said at a Thursday evening news conference.
While other people were in the building at the time, no one else was inside the judge's chambers, and no other injuries were reported.
Stines turned himself in after the shooting and was arrested at the scene without incident. He is cooperating with authorities, Gayheart said. It is unclear who will take over as sheriff of the county following his arrest.
There are cameras inside the building, and all witnesses will be interviewed, the trooper added.
"This community is small in nature, and we're all shook," Gayheart said about the shooting.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman indicated Thursday his office will work with Jackie Steele, the commonwealth's attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, as special prosecutors on the case.
"We will fully investigate and pursue justice," Coleman said.
As a result of the shooting, circuit and district courts, as well as the office of the circuit court clerk will be closed until operations can resume, Kentucky Courts officials said Thursday.
The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of the "tragic" incident in Letcher County, the court said in a statement on Facebook.
"We are currently in contact with law enforcement agencies, including Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time," the statement read.
In a statement, Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter said he was "shocked" by Mullins' killing and the court was left "shaken."
"My prayers are with his family and the Letcher County community as they try to process and mourn this tragic loss," VanMeter said.
