In a shocking and violent turn of events, a sheriff has been indicted for allegedly gunning down a judge in the judge’s own courtroom in what authorities are calling an execution-style killing. The tragic incident, which occurred earlier this month, was caught on a courtroom security camera, showing the chilling moment the sheriff opened fire on Judge Edward Thompson, 58, as he sat at his desk.
The video, which has been reviewed by investigators, shows the sheriff entering the courtroom while it was in session. After a brief exchange with Judge Thompson, the sheriff reportedly drew his firearm and shot the judge multiple times in what appeared to be a cold and calculated attack. The execution was carried out swiftly, with the sheriff leaving the scene immediately after the shooting.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local legal community and beyond. Judge Thompson, known for his fair and impartial rulings, had been a respected figure in the county for over 20 years. Details surrounding the motive for the killing remain unclear, but authorities have indicated that the sheriff had a personal dispute with the judge prior to the fatal encounter.
Following the shooting, law enforcement immediately launched a manhunt for the sheriff, identified as 47-year-old Robert Kelley, who had been serving as a deputy sheriff in the region for 15 years. Within hours, Kelley was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder. An indictment was returned shortly after his arrest, and he now faces the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
Local authorities have vowed to pursue justice for the senseless killing, with the community left reeling from the violence. “This is a betrayal of the trust placed in law enforcement,” said County Prosecutor Linda Hargrove. “We will ensure that the victim’s family receives justice, and we will hold the defendant accountable for this heinous act.”
The sheriff’s defense attorney has yet to comment on the case, but sources close to the investigation suggest that the sheriff had been involved in an ongoing personal dispute with Judge Thompson over a case he was presiding over. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the killing was premeditated.
The case has ignited a broader conversation about the relationship between law enforcement and the judiciary, as well as concerns about the safety of public officials. The courtroom shooting remains under investigation, and the trial for Sheriff Kelley is set to begin in the coming months.