A local Kentucky sheriff has been taken into custody on murder charges following the fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins on Thursday. Judge Mullins, who had served for fifteen years, was shot several times in his chambers. 

A preliminary investigation by Kentucky police identified Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines as the primary suspect. He was arrested without incident at the crime scene. While there were no witnesses inside Judge Mullins’ chambers at the time of the shooting, several people were present in the courthouse.

The investigation into Stines will be led by Kentucky state police. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman stated that in collaboration with special prosecutors, he “will fully investigate and pursue justice.” As speculation about Stines’ motive swirls, Kentucky state police stated that they would not comment on any possible motive in the ongoing investigation.

Kentucky Governor Andy Bashear, addressing the situation at a press conference, emphasized the importance of letting the investigation proceed without undue speculation: 

I know there is a whole lot that is out there on the internet and elsewhere. This is an active ongoing investigation. As a former prosecutor and former AG, I am not going to comment on any pieces of it… [The state police] will follow the evidence. When they have it they will comment on evidence.

Judge Mullins was appointed in 2009 by former Governor Steve Bashear. He was admitted to the bar as a litigator in 1995. His time as a judge was notable for his emphasis on promoting substance abuse treatments for drug addicts, especially those addicted to opioids.