Kentucky Sheriff Murders Judge in His Office, Gov. Beshear Offers Condolences

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, allegedly shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, following an argument in the judge’s chambers at a rural Kentucky courthouse.

Authorities say Stines fired multiple shots at Mullins after a heated exchange and then surrendered to police. He has been charged with first-degree murder and the investigation into the motive for the shooting is ongoing.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky District Court have both expressed condolences, stressing the need for a less violent future. No one else was present at the shooting.

A Kentucky sheriff allegedly shot and killed a state judge Thursday in a rural Kentucky courthouse after an argument.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, allegedly shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, following an argument in the judge’s chambers, according to the Associated Press (AP). A preliminary investigation found that Stines fired multiple shots at Mullins after an argument inside the courthouse.

Stines turned himself in after the shooting and was charged with first-degree murder as authorities continue to investigate the motives and details of the confrontation, Kentucky State Police said at the news conference. Police said no one else was in the bedroom during the shooting, although there were people inside the building.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, responded to the shooting on social media. “Sadly, I have been informed that a Letcher County District Judge was shot and killed in his office this afternoon. There is far too much violence in this world, and I pray that there is a path to a better future,” Beshear wrote on Facebook.

The Kentucky County Court of Justice also released a statement regarding the incident. “The Kentucky County Court of Justice is aware of a tragic incident that occurred today in Letcher County. We are currently in contact with law enforcement, including the Kentucky State Police, and are offering our full support during this difficult time,” the statement read. “At this time, we are unable to share further details, but will provide updates as more information becomes available.”

Kentucky State Police did not immediately respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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Beachwood, NJ – The Beachwood Police Department swore in three new officers at its board meeting Wednesday night.

Officer Tyler Gebler comes to the East Windsor Township Police Department, where he served for six years as a full-time law enforcement officer. Officer Gebler’s experience includes training and certifications in traffic accident investigation, service in the agency’s Uniformed Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Unit, Field Training Officer Unit and work as a certified Evidence Collection Technician. He has received various awards and certificates from the department for his service and will now serve Beachwood full-time.

Also joining the Beachwood Police Department are Officers Sean Delaporte and Robert Biele. They both previously served part-time in their departments’ uniformed patrol divisions as Class II police special agents. Delaporte and Biele will now serve the Borough of Beachwood as Class II police special agents.

The department expressed excitement in welcoming Gebler, Delaporte and Biele to its team. The officers are expected to have a positive impact on the Beachwood community.

For more details on the new officers, please visit the official Beachwood Police Department Facebook page.

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Monmouth County corrections officer has been charged in connection with an assault on a couple at an Atlantic City casino, authorities said Tuesday. The incident, which was caught on video and widely shared online, led to the officer being suspended without pay.

The officer, Keila Diaz, was involved in the altercation at an unidentified casino, authorities said. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden confirmed the suspension and noted the investigation is ongoing. No motive for the attack has been provided by authorities.

Footage of the incident, which circulated on social media, shows Diaz confronting and assaulting the couple. Specific details regarding the cause of the confrontation have not been released.

“This type of behavior is inexcusable from anyone, but particularly from a member of law enforcement, who at all times, on or off duty, must demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, with honor and integrity,” he said.

The criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing. No further details regarding the couple’s condition or the specific charges against Diaz were available Tuesday.

ALREADY REPORTED:

County officials have yet to release a statement regarding the pizza box fight that occurred this week at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City. A woman who was arrested during the fight after she allegedly knocked a woman unconscious with a pizza box has been identified as a Monmouth County corrections officer.

A couple was arrested early Sunday morning following an alleged assault on another couple at the Quarter at Tropicana, according to the Atlantic City Police Department.

Officers Jose Zamorano and Moustafa Maarouf responded to reports of a physical altercation involving multiple individuals at approximately 2:56 a.m. on September 15. Following an investigation, Damian Pineyro, 35, and Keila Diaz, 47, were taken into custody.

According to the documents, Diaz works for the Monmouth County Jail. Diaz graduated as a Monmouth County Corrections Officer in 2014 and earns about $64,000 a year. Diaz was filmed wearing knee-high boots and a short skirt, armed with a pizza box. After hitting the victim with the box, sending the pizza flying across the Tropicana Hotel gallery, she and her boyfriend allegedly beat the woman until she lost consciousness.

Police allege Pineyro harassed the victims before punching the female victim in the face.

After falling, Pineyro allegedly assaulted the male victim and brandished a knife, but no contact was made. Diaz is accused of kicking and punching the female victim, who was knocked unconscious during the attack. She was transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Pineyro was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and terroristic threats. Diaz is charged with aggravated assault and simple assault.

Both were released on summons and are due to appear in court shortly.

At this time, Monmouth County has not said whether or not Diaz has been suspended for her involvement in the violent attack.