A devastating headline caused Kentucky residents to rethink their trust in local law enforcement after news broke that a local judge met an untimely end.

A sheriff allegedly shot and killed a state judge on Thursday during an argument in a remote Kentucky courthouse, as The Daily Caller reported.

District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head and passed away in the judge's chambers, according to Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43.

After an argument broke out inside the courthouse, Stines shot Mullins multiple times, according to preliminary investigations.

The Attack

According to the Kentucky State Police, who offered a briefing to the press, Stines turned himself in following the incident and is now facing first-degree murder charges.

The exact reasons and circumstances surrounding the confrontation are still under investigation.

Even though the building was filled with people, the police claimed that no one else was in the chambers when the shooting occurred.

From State Officials

Gov. Andy Beshear spoke about the shooting on social media, saying, “Sadly, I have been informed that a district judge in Letcher County was shot and killed in his chambers this afternoon. There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow."

In addition, a statement was issued by the Kentucky Court of Justice after the incident occurred.

“The Kentucky Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County. We are currently in contact with law enforcement agencies, including Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time,” the statement reads.

“At this moment, we are not able to share further details, but we will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

More Threats of Violence

A man from Alaska was taken into custody on Wednesday by the Department of Justice on charges of making threats to kill six justices of the Supreme Court.

According to the indictment, Panos Anastasiou allegedly sent 465 messages to the justices via the Supreme Court's website from March 2023 to July 2024. These messages included "violent, racist, and homophobic rhetoric coupled with threats of assassination via torture, hanging, and firearms."

Some of Anastasiou’s threats were intended to intimidate the justices and “retaliate against them for official actions,” the indictment alleges.

“We allege that the defendant made repeated, heinous threats to murder and torture Supreme Court Justices and their families to retaliate against them for decisions he disagreed with,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in a statement Thursday.

“Our justice system depends on the ability of judges to make their decisions based on the law, and not on fear. Our democracy depends on the ability of public officials to do their jobs without fearing for their lives or the safety of their families.”