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A new procedural development has emerged in the high-profile case of former Letcher County Sheriff Danny Webb, who stands accused in the fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins earlier this year.
The case, which sent shockwaves through Kentucky’s legal and law enforcement communities, took another turn this week when defense attorneys filed a motion requesting a change of venue for the trial. The motion argues that extensive local media coverage and community discussion have made it impossible to seat an impartial jury within Letcher County.
Webb, 65, who served as sheriff for nearly two decades before retiring in 2022, was arrested on February 8 following the shooting at the Letcher County Courthouse. According to initial police reports, Judge Mullins was shot multiple times in his chambers during regular court hours. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
The killing marked the first time in recent Kentucky history that a sitting judge had been murdered in connection with their official duties, according to the Administrative Office of the Courts. Mullins, 54, had served on the bench since 2009 and was widely respected for his work in drug court programs and community outreach efforts.
Court documents reveal that Webb and Mullins had a complicated professional relationship spanning years. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Webb had appeared before Mullins on numerous occasions regarding both official sheriff’s department business and personal legal matters. Investigators have not publicly disclosed a specific motive for the shooting.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office opposes the change of venue, arguing that proper jury selection procedures can ensure a fair trial despite local publicity. Lead prosecutor James Dilley stated in a response filing that “the justice system is designed to identify and remove potential jurors with preconceived opinions through the voir dire process.”
Legal experts note that change of venue motions are relatively common in high-profile cases but are granted sparingly. Kentucky court precedent generally requires defendants to demonstrate not just extensive media coverage, but coverage of such a prejudicial nature that it creates a “presumption of juror bias.”
“The bar is quite high for these motions,” explained Renee Campbell, a criminal defense attorney and legal analyst unaffiliated with the case. “The defense needs to show that the publicity has been so pervasive and inflammatory that it’s effectively poisoned the entire local jury pool.”
The judge presiding over the case, Special Judge Amanda Sammons, appointed from neighboring Bell County after all Letcher County judges recused themselves, is expected to rule on the motion within the next two weeks. If granted, the trial would likely be moved to a county several jurisdictions away to minimize the effects of pre-trial publicity.
Webb’s defense team has also filed motions to suppress certain evidence and statements made in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, arguing that their client was questioned without proper Miranda warnings. These motions remain pending.
The Kentucky State Police, who led the investigation, have maintained a strict information policy regarding the case details. Their investigative file, which reportedly includes courthouse security footage and forensic evidence from the scene, remains sealed under court order.
Community impact from the shooting continues to reverberate through Letcher County, a close-knit rural region in eastern Kentucky with approximately 22,000 residents. The courthouse where the shooting occurred was closed for three weeks following the incident for both investigation and to allow staff time to process the trauma.
Webb is currently being held without bond at a facility outside Letcher County for security reasons. If convicted of first-degree murder, he faces 20 to 50 years in prison or life imprisonment. Kentucky does not have the death penalty.
The trial is tentatively scheduled for January 2023, though legal observers expect that date may be pushed back depending on how the court rules on the pending motions. The Kentucky Supreme Court has assigned additional resources to ensure proper handling of this sensitive case, which has drawn attention from legal observers nationwide.
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18 Comments
While the details of this case are still emerging, the alleged murder of a sitting judge is extremely alarming. I hope the legal proceedings can uncover the full truth and ensure that justice is served, regardless of who is found responsible.
Agreed, this is a highly sensitive and complex case that deserves careful and impartial scrutiny. A change of venue may help to mitigate local biases and ensure a fair trial.
This is a shocking and sad case. The killing of a sitting judge is unacceptable and undermines the rule of law. I hope the legal process can uncover the full facts and bring the perpetrator to justice, if the allegations are proven true.
Absolutely, the integrity of the judiciary is fundamental to a functioning democracy. This attack, if proven, is a serious breach of that.
This is a complex and sensitive case that will likely have far-reaching implications. I’m curious to see how the legal process unfolds and whether the change of venue motion is granted. Transparency and due process will be critical.
Well said. The public will be watching this case closely, so it’s important that it is handled in a fair and impartial manner.
The defense’s motion for a change of venue seems prudent given the intense local media coverage. Ensuring an impartial jury is critical, even in high-profile cases. I’ll be following this case closely to see how it unfolds.
Agreed, a fair trial is essential. Moving the proceedings to a different location may help to mitigate potential bias and allow for a more objective evaluation of the evidence.
The alleged murder of a judge is extremely troubling and speaks to deep issues within the legal system and law enforcement. I hope the truth comes to light, whoever is found responsible is held accountable, and measures are taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Agreed, this is a concerning case that highlights the need for robust checks and balances within the criminal justice system. A thorough and impartial investigation is crucial.
This case raises significant concerns about the safety and security of the judicial system. The alleged murder of a judge is a grave matter that requires a thorough and unbiased investigation. I hope the legal process can provide answers and accountability.
Absolutely, the independence and security of the judiciary is fundamental to the rule of law. This incident, if true, is a serious breach of that and requires a robust response.
It’s good to see that the defense is taking steps to try to ensure a fair trial, given the high-profile nature of this case. The local media coverage will undoubtedly have shaped public opinion, so a change of venue could be warranted.
Absolutely, the accused deserves a fair trial. Emotions are likely running high in the local community, so moving it elsewhere seems like the prudent course of action.
This is a deeply troubling case that highlights the vulnerability of the judicial system. The alleged murder of a judge is a serious breach of the rule of law and raises significant concerns about the integrity of the legal process. I hope the authorities can get to the bottom of this and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect the judiciary.
Well said. The independence and security of the courts is essential for a functioning democracy. This case, if the allegations are true, represents a grave threat to that.
This is a tragic and disturbing case. The alleged murder of a sitting judge is extremely concerning and raises serious questions about the integrity of the legal system. I hope the court proceedings can uncover the full truth and deliver justice.
Agreed, this kind of attack on the judiciary is very troubling. A change of venue seems prudent to try to ensure an impartial jury can be seated.