A Kentucky judge who was shot and killed by a sheriff last week was honored on Sunday as a trailblazer in combating opioid addiction and advocating for treatment over incarceration for minor drug offenses.
Hundreds gathered at Jenkins High School to pay their respects to District Judge Kevin R. Mullins, 54, including many judges in black robes.
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines is accused of fatally shooting Mullins in his chambers during an argument last Thursday and has been charged with murder, with a court appearance scheduled for this week.
The service had a significant law enforcement presence, and several judges spoke about Mullins’ leadership in addressing opioid addiction and mental health issues within the justice system.
State Supreme Court Judge Debra Lambert highlighted Mullins’ deep commitment to helping others, stating, “He saved or improved countless lives.”
Mullins’ mother, Patsy Holbrook Mullins, received condolences from attendees but did not speak publicly. She expressed gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing her son’s dedication to fighting the opioid crisis.
District Judge J. Foster Cotthoff praised Mullins as a tireless worker and innovator in opioid treatment, noting his ability to see potential in others.
An obituary read at the service mentioned Mullins’ belief that imprisonment alone would not solve the opioid crisis and highlighted his local protocol for linking individuals to treatment early in the judicial process.
Mullins, who was born in 1970 and received degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, served as a District Court judge for 14 years after his appointment in 2009.
During the service, District Judge James Craft recounted a memorable trip to New York City with Mullins, illustrating his friend’s humorous and relatable nature.
Mullins is survived by his mother, wife Kimberly, daughters Mya and Ava, and other family members.