A disturbing video capturing the fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers was shown during a court hearing for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, who stands accused of the murder. The footage, presented by prosecutors, depicted the harrowing moments when Stines allegedly opened fire on Judge Mullins on September 19.
The video, devoid of audio, revealed Stines pulling out a gun and shooting the judge as he sat at his desk. Subsequently, Stines walked around the desk, aimed the gun at the fallen judge, and fired another shot. The courtroom was filled with palpable emotions, with some individuals audibly expressing distress.
Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that Judge Mullins succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder during his arraignment and is currently detained in another Kentucky county.
Stamper disclosed that Stines and Mullins had a seemingly amicable lunch together before the tragic incident, with no apparent signs of discord witnessed by onlookers. The detective mentioned a cryptic statement made by the judge to Stines about meeting privately in his chambers, the context of which remains unclear.
While the nature of the relationship between Stines and Mullins prior to the shooting is not definitively known, rumors circulated about a lawsuit involving the sheriff's office. Stines had been deposed in a legal case where allegations of misconduct by a deputy sheriff within Mullins' chambers were raised.
During the hearing, it was revealed that a few individuals were in a nearby room when the shots were fired. Stines was already in custody upon his arrival at the courthouse, appearing relatively composed according to Stamper. The detective noted that Stines requested to be treated fairly.
Following the hearing, Judge Rupert Wilhoit III determined that sufficient probable cause existed to proceed with the case, allowing it to be presented to a grand jury for potential indictment. If convicted of first-degree murder, Stines could potentially face the death penalty.
