UPDATE: Sept. 19 at 5:26 p.m.
According to the Mountain Eagle, Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins has died following a Thursday afternoon shooting at the Letcher County Courthouse.
In a post made to Facebook, the newspaper said that officials arrested Sheriff Mickey Stines in connection to the shooting after he surrendered himself to police.
Governor Andy Beshear confirmed Mullins' death via X.
"Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon," Beshear said. "There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow."
Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 19, 2024
There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow. ^AB
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced via Facebook that following the shooting, the Office of the Attorney General will "collaborate" with the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele.
"We will fully investigate and pursue justice," Coleman said.
Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball posted to X that she was "praying for Letcher County" and Judge Mullins.
"May God protect this community and all those involved in the shooting," Ball said.
I’m praying for Letcher County and District Judge Kevin Mullins who was shot earlier today. May God protect this community and all those involved in the shooting.
— Auditor Allison Ball (@KYAuditor) September 19, 2024
A press release from the Kentucky Court of Justice said that the office was aware of the "tragic incident" that took place in Letcher County.
The release went on to say that the branch is in contact with law enforcement agencies and are "offering (their) full support during this time."
ORIGINAL STORY:
Police responded to the Letcher County Courthouse on a deadly shooting on Thursday and, according to The Mountain Eagle, a sheriff has been arrested in connection to the shooting.
The post detailed that the sheriff, reported as Mickey Stines, allegedly shot District Judge Kevin Mullins in his district office. The Letcher County Coroner confirmed to LEX 18 that the shooting is deadly but did not confirm the name of the victim.
Letcher County Schools in the area were placed in lockdown and Letcher County Central High School reported that students were released after Kentucky State Police guidance.
In addition, the Judicial Branch provided a statement regarding the shooting:
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 agencies, including Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time. While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing assistance in any way we can.
This is a developing story and LEX 18 will have more information as it becomes available.
