Kentucky judge shot and killed in chambers, sheriff charged with murder: Officials

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, who was killed in his chambers on September 19, according to police, Report informs referring to ABC News.

Mullins, who presided over Letcher County, was shot and killed at the Letcher County Courthouse, Kentucky State Police said.

Stines has been arrested and charged with murder in the judge's death, state police said.

A 911 caller reported shots being fired inside the courthouse shortly before 3 p.m. ET, state police said.

Responding officers and emergency personnel found Mullins, 54, with multiple gunshot wounds, state police said. He had been shot in his chambers, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

At a Thursday night news conference, officials said lifesaving measures were taken, but Mullins died at the scene.

Stines, 43, allegedly shot Mullins "following an argument inside the courthouse," Kentucky State Police said in a statement. At the news conference, officials said they had not determined if Stines used his "duty" weapon.

He was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with one count of first-degree murder.

He was taken to a detention center, officials said Thursday night. Stines is cooperating with the authorities conducting the investigation, officials also said. It is unclear if Stines has an attorney at this time.