A small Kentucky town is reeling after District Judge Kevin Mullins was allegedly shot to death in his chambers by his longtime friend, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines, on Sept. 19.

The case has raised questions about the motive behind the alleged murder, with rumored connections to both personal and legal conflicts between the judge and the law enforcement officer surfacing as the investigation unfolds, as the New York Post reports.

According to authorities, Stines and Mullins had just returned from lunch together before the incident occurred. The two had been close friends for decades, which makes the circumstances surrounding the case all the more shocking. Surveillance footage reportedly captures Stines entering the judge’s chambers and allegedly shooting Mullins multiple times.

Chilling Courtroom Footage Presented as Evidence

When the surveillance footage was played in court, it elicited emotional reactions from those present. The video is said to show Stines carrying out the shooting, leaving little doubt about what transpired in the moments leading up to Mullins' death.

Stines, immediately after the incident, was seen exiting the courtroom with his hands raised, reportedly asking police officers, "Treat me fair" as they approached to arrest him.

Once in custody, Stines offered an unusual explanation for his actions. According to Kentucky Detective Clayton Stamper, Stines allegedly told officers, “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid.” However, no further context was provided for this statement, leaving law enforcement puzzled about its connection to the crime.

Investigation Reveals Potential Motive Linked to Scandal

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events that may have led to the alleged murder.

A potential motive began to emerge when investigators found both Stines and Mullins' phones had been used to make multiple calls to Stines' daughter before the shooting. Additionally, Stines' daughter's phone number was discovered saved in Judge Mullins' phone, raising further questions about the nature of the relationship between the parties involved.

Police have yet to confirm whether these calls or other potential interactions between Mullins and Stines' family may have played a role in the incident.

However, another troubling possibility has been raised, hinting at a connection to a sex scandal involving a former deputy.

Legal Trouble Linked to the Murder

Just days before the fatal shooting, Sheriff Stines had been deposed in a lawsuit filed by two women, accusing Deputy Ben Fields of sexual misconduct. Fields, who previously worked as a bailiff under Mullins, had been fired by Stines in 2022 for “conduct unbecoming.”

The accusations against Fields escalated into a criminal case where he was convicted of rape, sodomy, perjury, and tampering with a prisoner monitoring device.

The lawsuit linked to Fields' misconduct had the potential to impact both Mullins and Stines, adding a layer of complexity to an already grim situation. While authorities have yet to confirm if this case directly influenced the shooting, it remains a key factor in their investigation.

Grand Jury to Decide on Indictment

The case is now being prepared for presentation to a grand jury. The outcome will determine whether formal charges are brought against Stines for the alleged murder. Gov. Andy Beshear has called for Stines to step down in light of the incident, to which Stines responded by announcing his retirement from law enforcement.

Despite the shocking nature of the case, Stines has entered a plea of not guilty to first-degree murder charges. He remains in custody at Leslie County Jail, awaiting the next steps in his legal battle.

Authorities Continue to Search for Witnesses

As the case moves forward, law enforcement is actively seeking additional witnesses who may be able to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigators are also carefully examining the contents of both Stines’ and Mullins’ phones, hoping that the digital trail may provide further insight into the tragic event.

The case has shaken the small Kentucky community, leaving many grappling with the senseless nature of the crime. As more details emerge, the complex web of personal and legal factors continues to captivate those following the case closely.

Conclusion

The alleged murder of Judge Kevin Mullins by his longtime friend Sheriff Shawn Stines has left a community in shock and raised serious questions about what led to the tragic event.

Investigators are piecing together a timeline of personal connections, legal disputes, and potential scandals, while Stines remains in jail, facing a grand jury indictment. As authorities continue to examine the case, the possibility of a scandal and family conflict looms large over this unfolding story, leaving more questions than answers.