What prompted Kentucky sheriff to shoot judge? Town plagued by lingering questions.

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines has been charged with murder for the courthouse shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins in Whitesburg, Kentucky. The shooting has left the tight-knit town reeling and searching for answers, as no motive has been publicly identified. Stines, who surrendered on the scene, is set to appear in court next week. The situation is complicated by the close relationship between Stines and Mullins, who had worked together for years. Rumors are spreading in the community, but officials are urging respect and caution in discussing the case. Mullins had a reputation for working with drug offenders to get them into treatment rather than jail, while Stines was well-liked and had pushed for a controversial petition to allow alcohol sales in the county. Prior to the shooting, Stines had been involved in a federal lawsuit related to a deputy trading favors for a woman on house arrest. The case has now been taken over by prosecutors from outside the county due to ties between the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the judge. The community is anxiously awaiting more information and clarity amid the shock and confusion of the tragic event. Authorities are stressing the importance of respecting each other and avoiding gossip during this difficult time.

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