Kentucky sheriff charged after judge shot in courthouse

A police officer in Kentucky is accused of fatally shooting a district judge, following an argument inside a courthouse.

Judge Kevin Mullins was in his district office when he was shot shortly before 3pm on Thursday, allegedly during an argument with Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines.

Stines, who has been in the position for eight years, has been charged with murder, police said.

No motive for the shooting has yet been revealed, but state police said it took place after an argument between the pair.

Investigators are now "trying to get answers to what led up to the actual shooting," State Trooper Matt Gayheart said at an evening news conference.

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Judge Mullins died at the scene, and Stines surrendered without incident.

According to a Letcher County website, matters Judge Mullins oversaw included domestic violence cases, traffic offences and juvenile incidents.

Announcing the death on X, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, said: "There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray there is a path to a better tomorrow."