WHITESBURG, Ky. — Eyewitness accounts and official statements are still attempting to piece together the shocking events surrounding the Thursday shooting inside the Letcher County Courthouse, where Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines allegedly shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins.
The incident occurred just before 3 p.m. on September 19, igniting chaos within the tight-knit community of Whitesburg, home to fewer than 1,800 residents. The courthouse, which was typically buzzing with daily legal proceedings, became the scene of a crime unprecedented for such a peaceful town. Mullins fell victim to multiple shots and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Details surrounding the motive for the shooting remain murky, with authorities not releasing any information about what led to the shooting. Stines surrendered to police shortly after the incident, and he now faces one count of first-degree murder. Meanwhile, he’s being held at the Leslie County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
A prominent figure within the community, Stines had been friends with Mullins for years. Their long-standing professional relationship saw them working at the courthouse, which adds complexity to the situation. The apparent randomness of the act has left many community members grappling with disbelief.
Commonwealth's Attorney Matt Butler has recused himself from the case due to familial connections—his daughters referred to Mullins as "unkie," as both men were previously married to sisters. Butler, aware of the small-town gossip mill, took to social media to ask community members to refrain from speculation. “If you are only looking to gossip or to be a troublemaker or stirrer-up of gossip, leave me out of the conversation,” he emphasized. This plea reflects the desire for respect and dignity amid grief.
The lack of clarity surrounding Stines' motives has fueled speculation within the community. Patty Wood, who has been closely associated with both individuals, expressed disbelief, stating, "It just doesn’t add up." According to her, Stines, who was known for his warm demeanor and helpfulness, had seemingly changed in the days leading up to the shooting. Friends of Stines reported he "wasn’t himself” prior to the tragic event.
Witnesses described the aftermath of the shooting as chaotic. Law enforcement flooded the area, setting up barriers, and even locking down nearby schools as speculation about the motives arose. Witness Laci Wright, who worked at Coal City Coffee, recounted seeing dozens of emergency vehicles responding to the scene. "Three ambulances drove by, and then you saw fire trucks, and police cars… It backed all the way up to the end of the street.”
The community's reaction has been one of shock and distress, with many turning to social media to share their feelings. Bill and Josephine Richardson, long-time residents and acquaintances of Stines, noted how deeply the shooting has impacted Whitesburg. Their son, who lives outside of town, urged them to stay away from downtown following the news of the shooting.
Onlookers who gathered outside the courthouse expressed incredulity over the situation. Many could not fathom how such violence erupted between two respected officials with established ties within the community.
Prior to his tragic demise, Mullins had built a reputation as a judge who sought to help drug offenders transition to treatment rather than face incarceration. His involvement with the judicial system extended beyond mere rulings, as he was known for advocating rehabilitation to combat substance abuse, which is often prevalent in many Appalachian communities.
Sheriff Stines had his own history of service in the community, having worked for years as Mullins' bailiff before winning the sheriff's election. He had garnered community support and had no intentions of seeking reelection earlier this year. Friends like Wood described Stines as deeply caring, often offering assistance with the words, "If you need anything, call me." She lamented, “They were just good people.”
The investigation has drawn attention amid revelations of Stines’ previous involvement in legal troubles. He is currently named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit due to allegations concerning the mishandling of another deputy sheriff’s conduct, who was accused of trading leniency for sexual favors involving women on house arrest. The case against the deputy was severe enough to result in his firing and subsequent conviction.
With Stines now at the center of murder accusations, the connection between these two incidents—one involving the murder of Mullins and the other involving allegations against Stines—has left community members bewildered. Butler and state investigatory bodies are now tasked with examining the links and advising the community about the development of this high-stakes legal drama.
Jackie Steele, the Commonwealth's Attorney for nearby Perry County, has stepped up to take over the case, planning to collaborate with Attorney General Russell Coleman. Butler's previous recognition of Steele’s capabilities, noting him as perhaps the most competent prosecutor within the state, raises hopes for thorough prosecution and closure.
The unreleased motivations behind the shooting have kept speculation running rampant. Local authorities have faced pressure to clarify the details of the incident, with many fearing unfounded rumors could tarnish the reputations of those involved and undermine the investigation.
Online discussions continue to percolate, with community members passionately debating their thoughts on the events since they unfolded. Butler has reiterated the importance of refraining from gossip, urging people to focus on supporting one another and treating those involved with respect. “We are going to help each other, be respectful, and focus on making our county safer and ensuring this does not happen again,” he declared firmly.
Both Stines and Mullins were pillars of their community, dedicated to public service, until this tragic event turned their legacies sideways. For now, residents express their sorrow and frustration, gripping onto hope for the judicial system to deliver justice not only for Mullins but for their community, who feel this unprecedented trauma all too deeply.
