Kentucky sheriff accused of killing judge pleads not guilty

( NewsNation ) — The Kentucky sheriff arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a local judge in his courthouse chambers pleaded not guilty during a virtual court appearance Wednesday morning.

Authorities say Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines , 43, shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times last Thursday following an argument in the courthouse. Mullins, 54, died at the scene.

Stines, according to The Mountain Eagle , allegedly walked into the judge’s outer office, then told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with Mullins alone. After the two walked into the judge’s chambers, witnesses heard shots. Stines walked out with his hands up and surrendered to police.

Stines was charged with one count of first-degree murder. Police have not revealed a motive.

According to the Associated Press, a brief arrest citation from Thursday says: “Perpetrator used a firearm to shoot … Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins. Judge Mullins succumbed to his injuries after the shooting.”

Mullins was shot at 2:55 p.m., and Stines’ arrest came five minutes later, per the citation, which has no other information related to the shooting.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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