Shawn “Mickey” Stines, a Kentucky sheriff, was accused of shooting district judge Kevin Mullins dead in his chambers on September 19. Stines’ defense attorney, Jeremy Bartley, claims that the killing was not planned and that Stines was not in his right mind at the time of the shooting. Bartley stated that the highest level of culpability should be manslaughter based on the partial defense of extreme emotional disturbance. A video of the shooting, played during a preliminary hearing, allegedly showed Stines shooting Mullins multiple times as he sat at his desk, and continued firing even after Mullins fell to the floor.
Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that the two men had eaten lunch together before the shooting, and that Mullins made a statement to Stines about meeting privately in his chambers. Stamper also mentioned that Stines attempted to call his daughter on Mullins’ phone, possibly indicating a motive for the shooting. When Stines was taken into custody, he allegedly mentioned concerns about his wife and child being kidnapped. The shooting has left the community of Letcher County, Kentucky in a state of shock, as Stines was a former bailiff in Mullins’ court before becoming sheriff in 2018.
Stines resigned as sheriff last week but has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder. A judge determined that there was sufficient evidence to move forward with the case during an October 2 hearing. Bartley expressed a desire to obtain additional information and tell Stines’ story, implying that there may be underlying factors contributing to the shooting. The case has caused great distress in the community, with friends and colleagues of Mullins expressing disbelief that the shooting occurred.
While the defense attorney argues that Stines was not in his right mind during the shooting and that it was not premeditated, the prosecution will likely focus on holding Stines accountable for the violent act that resulted in Mullins’ death. The motive behind the shooting, as suggested by the interactions between Stines and Mullins prior to the incident, may shed light on the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. Investigations and testimonies from witnesses, such as Stamper, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community of Letcher County will grapple with the aftermath of the shooting and the loss of a respected district judge. The resignation of Stines as sheriff adds another layer of complexity to the case, as local authorities must now navigate the implications of having a former law enforcement officer accused of such a serious crime. The outcome of the case will have lasting impacts on the community and those involved, as justice is sought for the death of Judge Kevin Mullins.
