USA, Wasington,District Judge Kevin R. Mullins, who was tragically shot and killed by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, was remembered on Sunday as a pioneer in combating opioid addiction and advocating for treatment over incarceration for low-level drug offenders. Hundreds gathered at Jenkins High School to honor the 54-year-old judge, including a procession of judges from across Kentucky, highlighting his significant impact on the judicial system.

Sheriff Stines has been charged with murder following the incident, which reportedly stemmed from an argument in Mullins's chambers. The investigation is ongoing, and Stines is set to make his first court appearance this week. The funeral service saw a heavy law enforcement presence, emphasizing the community's support for Mullins and the loss felt by his colleagues.

Speakers at the funeral, including state Supreme Court Judge Debra Lambert, praised Mullins for his dedication to mental health and the well-being of those in the court system. Mullins's mother, Patsy Holbrook Mullins, expressed her gratitude for the community's support and reflected on her son's passion for addressing the opioid epidemic. District Judge J. Foster Cotthoff also highlighted Mullins's tireless efforts and his ability to see the potential in others, even when they struggled to see it themselves.