A Kentucky sheriff, accused of fatally shooting a judge in his chambers, appeared in court for his first hearing since the tragic incident. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, pleaded not guilty to murder charges during the hearing. The sheriff, clad in a gray jail uniform, showed no emotion as he answered questions about his personal finances.
The special judge presiding over the hearing, standing in for the deceased Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins, did not discuss bond during the proceedings. If convicted, Stines could face a sentence ranging from 20 years to life in prison, or potentially the death penalty due to the nature of the crime.
