A Kentucky district judge was fatally shot in his office Thursday afternoon, Gov. Andy Beshear said.
“Sadly, I have been informed that a Letcher County District Judge was shot and killed in his office this afternoon,” the governor wrote on X. “There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray that there is a path to a better future.”
Beshear provided no further details about the shooting.
Letcher County Coroner Perry Fowler told NBC News that Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was shot. The Letcher County Courthouse is in Whitesburg, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) southeast of Louisville.
Kentucky State Police said one person was in custody and the motive was unclear.
“The investigation is still early and authorities are trying to gather information and evidence,” State Trooper Matt Gayheart said.
According to a Letcher County website, Mullins was a judge in the 47th Judicial District, overseeing juvenile cases, municipal and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic violations, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and domestic violence cases.
Letcher County Central High School was placed on lockdown Thursday at the request of state police due to an “ongoing shooting in the downtown area,” the school said in a statement.
“Your children are safe. The shooter has been apprehended,” the statement said.
The students were later released from the school on orders from state police, a statement said.
The Kentucky District Court said it was working with state police.
“As the investigation continues, we are committed to assisting in any way we can,” the court said in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the community during this difficult time.”
Attorney General Russell Coleman has promised a full investigation.
“Following the deadly shooting in Letcher County, our office will be working with Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele as special prosecutors in this case. We will fully investigate and seek justice,” Coleman said on X.
This is a developing story. Please check back regularly for updates..
