A former Kentucky sheriff accused of killing Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins is set to appear in court for an arraignment following a grand jury indictment on one count of murdering a public official. The accused, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, has pleaded not guilty to the fatal shooting that shocked the small community.
Stines, who was the county sheriff at the time of the incident, has since resigned. The upcoming hearing will mark Stines’ first appearance inside the Letcher County courthouse, where the killing took place. Previous hearings were held elsewhere due to the courthouse's temporary closure.
This court appearance follows a preliminary hearing where a judge found probable cause to refer the case to a grand jury. The indictment was announced by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman and Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele, who are jointly prosecuting the case. Stines could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.
The tragic event unfolded on September 19 when authorities responded to the Letcher County courthouse to find Judge Mullins, 54, with multiple gunshot wounds. Stines surrendered at the scene. Surveillance footage played during a previous hearing showed Stines shooting the judge multiple times in his chambers.
While the defense did not dispute Stines' actions, they argued that he was in an “extreme emotional disturbance,” suggesting a first-degree manslaughter charge might be more appropriate. The motive behind the killing has not been disclosed by prosecutors.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Stines had a phone conversation with his daughter before asking to see Judge Mullins’ phone. Moments later, Stines opened fire after looking at the judge’s phone. Witnesses mentioned a private meeting proposal made by the judge to Stines before the tragic incident occurred.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further developments in this case that has deeply impacted Letcher County.
