Sheriff Charged with Kentucky Judge's Murder

The small Appalachian town of Whitesburg, Kentucky, is in shock after Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines was charged with the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, following a courthouse argument. Mullins, a respected judge for 15 years, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in his chambers, and Stines surrendered without incident. The motive remains unclear, but Stines was recently deposed in a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual abuse by a former deputy in Mullins' chambers, which may have contributed to the tension. The local community is deeply affected, with many residents personally knowing both the victim and the suspect. Kentucky authorities, including Governor Andy Beshear and Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter, have expressed their condolences and called for prayers for the community. The case is expected to see a change of venue and a special judge due to the close-knit nature of the town.