Judge Kevin Mullins, a highly respected former jurist of the 47th Judicial District, tragically passed away on September 19, 2024, after being fatally shot in Letcher County, Kentucky. At 57 years old, Judge Mullins’ untimely death has left a profound impact on the Kentucky legal community and the people of Letcher County, where he had devoted his career to upholding justice and serving the public. Known for his unwavering commitment to fairness and his deep understanding of the law, Judge Mullins had earned the admiration and respect of his colleagues, clients, and the community alike. His passing marks a tragic loss not only to his family but to the entire state, where he had touched the lives of many through his years of service.
Judge Mullins’ distinguished career spanned several decades, during which he wore many hats in the legal field. Before becoming a district judge, he served as a public defender, where he gained valuable experience advocating for individuals in need of legal representation. He then transitioned to serving as a prosecutor, where he fought for justice on behalf of the people of Kentucky. Throughout these roles, Judge Mullins demonstrated a profound commitment to fairness, always seeking to uphold the law with integrity and compassion.
As a district judge, Kevin Mullins was known for his fair and impartial decisions, always striving to ensure that justice was served in every case that came before him. His colleagues often described him as a jurist who understood the law not just in a theoretical sense, but in a deeply practical way. He was known for taking the time to listen to all parties involved, weighing the facts carefully, and making decisions that reflected his commitment to the truth and the principles of justice. His colleagues also admired his ability to balance the demands of the law with a deep empathy for the people who came before him. He understood that the law was not just about statutes and regulations, but about the real lives that were affected by his decisions.
Despite his success and reputation in the legal field, Judge Mullins was a humble man, always willing to offer guidance and mentorship to younger lawyers and those just beginning their careers. He was a beloved figure in the Kentucky legal community, and his passing has left a void that will be hard to fill. His loss has been deeply felt by his colleagues, who have expressed their grief through social media tributes, remembering him as not just a colleague, but a friend and a mentor. Many have shared stories of Judge Mullins’ kindness, his wisdom, and his unwavering dedication to the law and to justice.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Judge Mullins’ death have only added to the shock and sorrow of the community. The incident occurred when Shawn “Mickey” Stines, a former Letcher County sheriff, shot Judge Mullins after a tense and emotional exchange in the courthouse. Surveillance footage of the incident captured the heartbreaking final moments, which have since been the subject of intense scrutiny. The shooting has left the community reeling, as they try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence against someone who had devoted his life to public service and the rule of law. Stines’ actions have shaken the community to its core, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing.
The death of Judge Mullins has sparked an outpouring of grief from those who knew him, both personally and professionally. His family has been left to cope with an unimaginable loss. Judge Mullins is survived by his wife, Teresa Mullins, who has been described by friends and colleagues as the cornerstone of his support system. Together, they had two children, Jordan and Rachel, who are now left to navigate life without their father’s guidance and presence. His mother, Linda Mullins, along with other family members, are also mourning the loss of a man whose legacy of service and compassion will never be forgotten. Judge Mullins’ passing has left a deep hole in the hearts of his family, his friends, and his community, and his memory will be cherished by all who were lucky enough to have known him.
Public memorial services will be held at Whitesburg First Baptist Church, a place where Judge Mullins was known to attend and where his family has asked the community to come together to honor his life and legacy. The service will provide an opportunity for friends, colleagues, and community members to gather and share their memories of Judge Mullins, celebrating his life and the impact he made on the world around him. While the public memorial will allow the community to come together in grief, a private burial ceremony will be held for his family, offering them the time and space they need to say their final goodbyes.
The investigation into the shooting that claimed Judge Mullins’ life continues, and many in the community are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the legal proceedings. As they await answers, they also hold on to the memory of a man who dedicated his life to serving others, advocating for justice, and ensuring that fairness prevailed in every case that came before him. Judge Mullins’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals and will serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion, integrity, and dedication to the law.
As the community of Letcher County and the wider Kentucky legal community mourn the loss of Judge Mullins, they do so with a profound sense of grief, but also with a sense of gratitude for the time they had with him. His influence on those around him will never be forgotten, and his work as a jurist will continue to live on in the decisions he made and the lives he touched. In honoring his memory, the community has come together to show support for his family, offering condolences, assistance, and love during this time of unimaginable loss.
Judge Kevin Mullins’ death is a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk in unexpected moments, but it also highlights the importance of continuing to stand up for justice and the rule of law, just as he did throughout his distinguished career. While his life was tragically cut short, his legacy of fairness, kindness, and commitment to others will continue to serve as a guiding light for all who knew him. Rest in peace, Judge Kevin Mullins. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will never be forgotten.
