Kentucky state police trooper Matt Gayheart, as reported by CBS Information, mentioned that the Letcher County sheriff Mickey Stines shot and killed Choose Mullins, 54, within the decide’s chambers after an argument.”Mullins was shot a number of occasions,” Gayheart mentioned.
Police arrested Stines on the courthouse. He has been charged with first-degree homicide.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear confirmed Mullins’ demise on social media. “Sadly, I’ve been knowledgeable {that a} district decide in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon,” Beshear posted on X. He additionally expressed concern over the violence, writing, “There’s far an excessive amount of violence on this world, and I pray there’s a path to a greater tomorrow.”
Gayheart acknowledged that the incident is remoted and doesn’t pose a wider menace. “It did happen contained in the courthouse,” he mentioned, as quoted by ABC Information.
The precise time of the taking pictures remains to be unknown, in accordance with Gayheart. There have been a number of witnesses, however no different accidents have been reported.
Trooper Gayheart talked about that it’s too early to find out the motive behind the taking pictures. “Anytime a scenario like this takes place, particularly in a small city, it shakes the very basis of what the city is, and that is no completely different,” he mentioned.
The investigation into the taking pictures is ongoing.
Kentucky legal professional basic Russell Coleman mentioned his workplace will work with a regional commonwealth’s legal professional as particular prosecutors within the case. “We are going to totally examine and pursue justice,” Coleman mentioned.
The Kentucky Court docket of Justice is collaborating with the Kentucky State Police and different authorities within the ongoing investigation. Kentucky court docket officers launched an announcement on social media, saying, “The Kentucky Court docket of Justice is conscious of a tragic incident that occurred immediately in Letcher County. We’re at present in touch with legislation enforcement companies, together with Kentucky State Police, and are providing our full assist throughout this troublesome time. Whereas the investigation is ongoing, we’re dedicated to offering help in any manner that we are able to.”
Following the taking pictures, Letcher County Central Excessive College went into a compulsory lockdown as a precaution, in accordance with the varsity system’s social media submit, assuring, “Your youngsters are secure… Your youngsters have been by no means in a regarding scenario.”
