USA: Epidemic of gun violence and mass murder
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Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting outside the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky State Police officials said Thursday.
Spokesman Matt Gayheart said in a news release that KSP Post 13 in Hazard received reports of shots fired inside the courthouse at approximately 2:55 p.m. Multiple emergency responders arrived at the scene and found District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, of Jackhorn, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner.
Investigators concluded the shooting occurred after an argument between Stines and Mullins, Gayheart said. Stines was arrested shortly afterward without incident.
KSP continues to lead the ongoing investigation.
The Mountain Eagle, a local newspaper in Whitesburg, reported that Stines entered the judge’s outer office and told court employees he needed to speak to Mullins alone. The pair entered the inner office, closed the door and shortly afterward shots rang out, according to The Mountain Eagle’s report. Stines left the room with his hands raised and surrendered to police.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on social media that a district judge in Letcher County was killed in a shooting.
“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 path to a better future,” Beshear wrote.
Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office would work with Jackie Steele, the United States Attorney for the 27th Judicial District, on the investigation.
“We will fully investigate this case and seek justice,” Coleman wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Kentucky State Auditor Allison Ball also posted a message of condolence to the public on social media on Thursday.
“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,” Ball wrote.
Kentucky Court Justice officials confirmed the incident in a statement posted on social media, but added that no further details could be released.
“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 offer our full support during this difficult time. While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to assisting in any way we can,” the statement said.
“Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic event and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.”
In response to the incident, Letcher County Central High School in Whitesburg was placed on lockdown and students have since been sent home, school officials said on social media.
“Following a call from Kentucky State Police, we have been placed under a mandatory curfew due to a shooting downtown. Your children are safe. The shooter has been arrested,” the school said in a social media post.
Whitesburg is a city in Letcher County and the county seat in southeastern Kentucky. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the county has a population of 21,548.
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This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
