Whitesburg, KY — In a tragedy that shook a rural Kentucky community, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, accused of fatally shooting Judge Kevin Mullins inside the courthouse last week, is due to be arraigned via video from jail on Wednesday. The hearing will take place about 100 miles from where the high-profile local figures clashed, avoiding the district where both the accused and the victim were prominent legal and law enforcement figures.
Stines, 43, surrendered to authorities shortly after the incident, which took place within the confines of the judge’s chambers — a place now sealed from the public as investigations continue. The sheriff now faces a charge of first-degree murder and his arraignment will be held not in Mullins’ courtroom, but remotely from a Carter County courthouse. This displacement underscores the case’s profound impact on the local justice system, where Stines was responsible for courthouse security, including that of judges.
The exact details of the altercation remain under investigation, with state authorities piecing together moments leading up to the fatal incident. According to reports, no one else was present in the chambers when the shooting occurred, although there were witnesses elsewhere in the building.
Earlier on that fateful day, both Stines and Mullins reportedly shared a meal, a detail that adds a poignant note to the unfolding scenario. According to Circuit Court Clerk Mike Watts, the community feels a deep loss not just professionally, but personally — both men were his friends and daily collaborators in the local justice system.
The sheriff’s arrest closely follows his deposition in a federal lawsuit alleging mishandling of a sexual coercion case by a deputy under his command — adding layers of scrutiny to his professional conduct. Authorities have reassured the public that extensive witness interviews and video analysis from courthouse cameras are underway.
State Police noted the unprecedented nature of the crime in Letcher County, marking a somber milestone as residents and officials express both grief and disbelief. In response to the crisis, calls for upgraded security protocols at the courthouse, including metal detectors and enhanced entrance security, have gained momentum.
The Kentucky Attorney General’s office, along with special prosecutor Jackie Steele, will handle the prosecution, reflecting the case’s sensitive nature given the relationships and community ties at play. Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Butler, revealing personal connections to both men, recused himself from involvement, outlining the profound personal and professional intersections that heighten the tragedy’s impact.
The loss of Judge Mullins, remembered in his obituary as a passionate advocate for recovery efforts against the opioid crisis, casts a long shadow over Letcher County. His role in promoting treatments and helping those with substance use disorders underscores the depth of the community’s loss. As the case unfolds and a region grapples with the ramifications of this shocking act, the resilience and response of this tight-knit community remain closely watched.