A district judge was shot and killed in a Kentucky courthouse Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear said.
“Sadly, I have been informed that a Letcher County District Judge was shot and killed in his office this afternoon,” Beshear posted on social media.
The Associated Press reported that a suspect in the shooting was in custody, citing Kentucky State Police.
The shooting took place at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, about two and a half hours southeast of Lexington near the Virginia border.
The Letcher County coroner confirmed to CBS News that there was one death as a result of the shooting, but declined to provide further details as the investigation is just beginning.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman said in a social media post that his office would work with a regional commonwealth’s attorney as special prosecutors in the case. “We will investigate thoroughly and ensure justice is served,” Coleman said.
Kentucky law enforcement released a statement on social media about the shooting. “The Kentucky 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 said. “While the investigation is ongoing, we are committed to providing any assistance we can.”
Schools in the area were briefly placed on lockdown after the shooting, according to a Facebook post that has since been deleted.
The shooting comes a day after a manhunt for a suspect in a Shooting on Kentucky highway which has put parts of the state in trouble. The suspect was suspected were found deadofficials said Wednesday.
This is a developing story. Check back regularly for updates.
