A tragedy has struck the small community of Whitesburg, Kentucky, as Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines has been charged with the alleged murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins. The event has left residents reeling, grappling with the shocking violence between two long-time public figures who were not only colleagues but also friends.
According to multiple reports, just hours before the incident, Mullins and Stines were seen sharing lunch and conversing amicably. Circuit Clerk Mike Watt recounted seeing the duo joking about national politics and discussing the sheriff's recent attendance at a convention. "We were kind of joking around... And then they went down the street to eat lunch," said Watt. This seemed like any normal day, yet it took a catastrophic turn later on.
Officials with the Kentucky State Police reported the fatal shooting occurring shortly after 2:50 p.m. on September 19 inside Mullins’ chambers at the courthouse. Following what state police described as a heated argument between the two men, shots were fired. A 911 call alerted authorities to the incident shortly before 3 p.m. When police arrived, they found Mullins with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead on the scene.
The fallout from this tragedy has been swift. Sheriff Stines, aged 43, has been jailed and faces charges of first-degree murder. His first court appearance is set for September 25. The investigation is underway, and many question what could have led to such drastic action between two men who had professional ties of over 15 years.
"The whole county is just devastated by this," emphasized Watt, highlighting the community's pain over the loss of two familiar figures who were integral to the local justice framework. Mullins had served as district judge for 15 years, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Adding another layer to this tragedy, Sheriff Stines had recently been deposed as part of a federal investigation related to allegations against his former deputy, Ben Fields, who faced charges of rape and misconduct within the courthouse. These revelations have complicated the community’s grieving process as residents seek to understand the motive behind the confrontation between the sheriff and judge.
Many residents have expressed shock, recalling the positive impacts both Stines and Mullins had on the community. Friends and associates have remembered Mullins as someone who fought against the opioid epidemic and was pivotal in reshaping how the judicial system jailed low-level drug offenders. Friends stated how he believed strongly in rehabilitation over incarceration, earning commendations from many sectors throughout his career.
During Mullins' funeral on September 22, attended by hundreds, including colleagues and public figures, he was memorialized as not just a judge but as a champion for reform within the opioid crisis and mental health treatment. His mother expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support. “I’m very impressed by the community's support and their mission to bring change to the opioid epidemic,” she said.
The tragic intertwining of their lives makes this incident all the more painful for the community. Both Stines and Mullins had worked together closely on various law enforcement initiatives, particularly focusing on substance abuse issues.
Despite the serious nature of the charges against Stines, friends within the community have openly shared their disbelief, describing him as amicable and dedicated to his role. The investigation will seek to answer many questions still hovering over this heartbreaking event: What caused their longstanding friendship to devolve so suddenly? What underlying circumstances contributed to the confrontation? The community continues to grapple with these questions.
