Judge Kevin Mullins's wife, along with countless members of their community, honored the late magistrate at a touching memorial days after his murder.

A Kentucky sheriff allegedly shot a judge early Thursday afternoon. Here's a look at the motive behind the Letcher County shooting.

Kevin R. Mullins, 54, had been a District Judge in Letcher County, Ky., for 15 years. Before that, he was a prosecutor in Letcher County, starting in 2001. The official title is assistant commonwealth’s attorney. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville.

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines, accused of killing Mullins, once served as a bailiff in the judge’s courtroom.

District Judge Kevin Mullins was shot inside the Letcher County Courthouse. Kentucky State Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball confirmed Mullins was the shooting victim in a post on social media.

News reports describe him as an advocate for criminal justice reform, particularly programs aimed at diverting people with substance use disorders away from incarceration and into treatment.

The hearing was held in Carter County, which is about two hours and 30 minutes from Letcher County. Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is accused of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins.