Investigators are trying to determine why a Kentucky sheriff allegedly shot and killed a district judge after they argued inside the judge’s chambers, according to Kentucky State Police. District Judge Kevin Mullins,

Residents of a tiny Appalachian town are struggling to cope with a shooting involving two of its most prominent citizens: a Kentucky judge who was gunned down in his courthouse chambers and the local sheriff charged with his murder.

Kentucky State Police say 43-year-old Sheriff Mickey Stines shot and killed 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins inside the courthouse Thursday afternoon. Circuit Court Clerk Mike Watts said he’s still struggling to understand what happened, as he saw both men eat lunch together just a few hours earlier.