![\"Crime](\"https:\/\/hollywoodlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/GettyImages-1251327100_f080db-e1726861525695.jpeg?resize=384%2C216\")
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A rural town in Kentucky was shocked when news broke of a county sheriff killing a judge. The killing took place in Whitesburg, Letcher County, and the sheriff immediately surrendered once police discovered that he was responsible for the judge\u2019s death. As residents in the area grapple with the news, they\u2019re looking for answers about the situation.<\/p>\n
Who Is the Kentucky Sheriff?<\/h2>\n
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines was charged with one count of first-degree murder, per Kentucky State Police. The 39-year-old sheriff reportedly got into an argument before shooting the judge.<\/p>\n
Who Was the Kentucky Judge?<\/h2>\n
District Judge Kevin Mullins was shot by Sheriff Stines multiple times, according to several outlets. Mullins was 54 when he died.<\/p>\n
What Happened in Letcher County, Kentucky?<\/h2>\n
During a press conference, Kentucky State Trooper Matt Gayheart spoke to the public about the incident and acknowledged that the small, tight-knit town is \u201cshook\u201d by the crime.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve not had a chance to speak to many people \u2014 it\u2019s been a very hectic and busy day \u2014 but this community is small in nature and we\u2019re all shook,\u201d the trooper said.<\/p>\n
As for what happened between Judge Mullins and Sheriff Stines, Gayheart noted that they got into an alteration before shots were fired by Stines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that it was an argument between the two,\u201d Gayheart said, before adding, \u201cBut what exactly transpired prior to the shots being fired, that\u2019s still something we\u2019re trying to get answers to. \u2026\u00a0There\u2019ll be an autopsy conducted in the days coming, and just following up on all the leads and make sure we conduct a thorough investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n