A tight-knit Kentucky community is reeling after a shocking incident involving two of its most prominent figures.
According to a Daily Mail report, Lechter County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, 43, allegedly shot and killed his longtime friend, District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in a sudden outburst of violence.
The tragic event unfolded on September 19, when Stines reportedly fired eight shots at point-blank range at Judge Mullins, who attempted to take cover under his desk. The shooting occurred mere seconds after Stines allegedly discovered his daughter's phone number saved in Mullins' mobile device.
During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, the court caught its first glimpse of a potential motive for the tragedy. Lead investigator Clayton Stamper testified that the shooting took place immediately after Sheriff Stines viewed something on Judge Mullins' phone.
The defense attorney probed Stamper about the moments preceding the shooting, which were captured on CCTV footage. When asked about the time between Stines looking at the cellphone and the shooting, Stamper replied, "Just seconds."
The court also heard that Stines had attempted to call his daughter from Mullins' phone after finding her number saved in the device.
Prior to the incident, Stines and Mullins had been close friends and colleagues for nearly two decades. The two men were often seen dining together at the popular Streetside Grill & Bar on Main Street in Whitesburg, a town of fewer than 1,800 residents.
Witnesses who spoke to the Daily Mail confirmed that the pair had lunch together just hours before the shooting, and everything seemed normal. However, one guest overheard Mullins asking Stines if they needed to meet privately in his chambers, hinting at a potential issue brewing between them.
Investigator Stamper revealed that the mobile phones involved in the case are currently undergoing forensic analysis. He expressed hope that the examination would shed light on what exactly was displayed on Mullins' phone at the time of the shooting.
The court heard that investigators have not found any evidence suggesting the shooting was premeditated. The defense argued that the incident might be a case of extreme emotional disturbance rather than murder, suggesting a possible manslaughter charge instead.
In the wake of the tragedy, Judge Mullins' wife, Kimberly, shared a heartfelt tribute to her late husband on social media. She wrote:
Proud to be the wife of this Irreplaceable man. Kevin was a lot of things to a lot of people. But he was Everything to me and my girls.
Her words sparked an outpouring of support from community members mourning the loss of the respected judge.
The shocking incident has torn the small town of Whitesburg apart, with residents struggling to reconcile the violent act with their knowledge of both men involved. While many mourn the loss of Judge Mullins, others await further details about what prompted Sheriff Stines' actions. Stines, who had served as a bailiff in Mullins' court for years before becoming sheriff in 2018, was also well-respected in the community.
