The shocking video showing the killing of Kentucky judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers was played during a court hearing for the ex-sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who was charged in the murder. The video, presented by prosecutors during the preliminary hearing, depicted Stines pulling out a gun and shooting the judge multiple times as he sat at his desk. Mullins died from the gunshot wounds, as confirmed by Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper. Stines entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder and is currently being held in another Kentucky county.
Stamper testified that Stines and Mullins had lunch together before the shooting, and no witnesses observed any anger between them during their interaction. However, the judge allegedly mentioned meeting privately in his chambers to Stines before the shooting occurred. There were rumors of a prior relationship between the two men, possibly related to a lawsuit involving the sheriff’s office. Stines had been deposed in a lawsuit in which a woman accused a deputy sheriff of forcing her to have sex inside Mullins’ chambers in exchange for staying out of jail. The lawsuit blamed the former sheriff for negligence in training and supervising the deputy.
When the shots rang out, there were a handful of people in a room adjacent to Mullins’ chambers. Stines was in custody by the time he arrived at the courthouse, and Stamper described him as “mostly calm” at the shooting scene. Stines made a brief statement, asking to be treated fairly. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Rupert Wilhoit III found probable cause to believe Stines committed the crime, allowing the case to proceed to a grand jury for potential indictment. If convicted of first-degree murder, Stines could face the death penalty.
The emotional impact of the video was evident in the courtroom, as some individuals were heard audibly moaning and crying in response to the graphic footage. The shocking nature of the attack highlights the need for greater protection for judges and increased security measures in courthouses. Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the dangers that judges face in carrying out their duties. The attack on Judge Mullins is a tragic and senseless act of violence that has left a community in mourning.
The details surrounding Stines’ relationship with Mullins and the events leading up to the shooting remain unclear, with rumors circulating about a possible lawsuit involving the sheriff’s office. The allegations of misconduct and negligence in the lawsuit filed against the former sheriff raise questions about accountability and oversight within law enforcement agencies. The tragic outcome of the dispute between Stines and Mullins underscores the importance of addressing issues of corruption and abuse of power within the criminal justice system.
As the case moves forward to a grand jury for consideration of indictment, the potential consequences for Stines could be severe, including the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder. The judicial system will now be tasked with determining the appropriate course of action in seeking justice for the victim and holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions. The shocking attack on Judge Mullins serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by individuals in the legal profession and the need for enhanced safety measures to protect those who serve on the front lines of justice.
