WHITESBURG, Ky. — A district judge is dead and a county sheriff is in jail, following a stunning series of events in Whitesburg Thursday.

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines allegedly walked into District Judge Kevin Mullins’ office yesterday and shot him several times, killing him.

That news of Mullins’ death was first announced by Gov. Andy Beshear and Attorney General Russell Coleman, in separate social media posts, then later confirmed by Kentucky State Police.

Post 13 Public Information Officer Matt Gayheart said the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing, but he said there were several witnesses who police are interviewing.

KSP says the shooting happened after the two men became embroiled in an argument. Mullins was shot several times and efforts to save him were unsuccessful. Stines was arrested without incident and has now been charged with murder.

Attorney General Coleman said his office will work with 27th Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele, of London, who has been appointed special prosecutor in the case, due to the close ties local officials have with both men.

Mullins had served as district judge for 15 years, after being appointed to the position in 2009 by then-Gov. Steve Beshear.