Kentucky Sheriff Charged with Judge's Murder

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in the courthouse on September 19. The shooting, which occurred following an argument, has left the small Appalachian community of Whitesburg in shock, as Mullins was a respected figure who had served since 2009. Stines is set to appear virtually in court on September 25, with the Kentucky Attorney General's office now handling the prosecution due to a conflict of interest for the local prosecutor. While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, there are speculations surrounding a tense hearing involving Stines just days prior, related to allegations against a deputy under his supervision. Community members are mourning Mullins and seeking answers, as investigations continue into the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. Local leaders are calling for unity and healing in the wake of this violence.