A former sheriff from Kentucky, accused of the shocking murder of a judge, appeared via video link during a court proceeding on Friday. This incident has deeply affected the small Appalachian community. Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who was the Letcher County Sheriff at the time of the incident, has been in custody since he allegedly shot District Judge Kevin Mullins last September. During this latest hearing, attorneys for both sides engaged in discussions concerning preliminary matters leading up to the anticipated murder trial.
Stines’ defense team indicated their intention to request a bond hearing, though a date for this has yet to be set. Circuit Court Judge Christopher Cohron, who was newly appointed to the case, expressed his willingness to address the bond issue in the future. Jeremy Bartley, the defense attorney, mentioned that the question of Stines’ release had been hanging in the balance until Judge Cohron’s appointment.
The former sheriff is charged with the murder of a public official after reportedly shooting Judge Mullins in his chambers. Tragically, Mullins was declared dead at the scene, while Stines surrendered to authorities without resistance. Following the tragic incident on September 19 at the courthouse in Whitesburg, Stines resigned from his position as sheriff. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
In a previous court session, a harrowing video showing the actual shooting was presented, revealing Stines drawing a gun and shooting Mullins as he sat at his desk. The footage also captured Stines walking around the desk to fire at the judge again after Mullins had fallen. If convicted, Stines may face the death penalty for the serious allegations against him.
During Friday’s hearing, all participants attended via video conference. Stines maintained a stoic demeanor, remaining silent and expressionless as he sat alongside his lawyers from a jail in eastern Kentucky. Bartley informed the judge that they are going through extensive evidence that prosecutors have shared. Furthermore, prosecutor Jackie Steele conveyed that it may require an additional four to six months to gather all the necessary evidence and conduct further testing.
While no specific evidence was discussed in the recent hearing, the police have not released any information regarding a motive for the shooting. Historical context indicates that Stines and Mullins had been acquainted for many years. Just prior to the incident, they had lunch together along with several others near the courthouse, as previously detailed by a Kentucky State Police detective.
