In a high-profile case that has gripped the small Appalachian town of Whitesburg, Kentucky, a former sheriff awaits a mental evaluation amid charges of shooting a district judge in his courthouse office last year. The suspect, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, was a well-known figure in the community, having maintained a longtime friendship with the victim, District Judge Kevin Mullins. Surveillance footage, presented in court, allegedly shows Stines approaching Mullins and firing a gun while the judge was at his desk on September 19.
The state attorney general’s office is actively seeking to have Stines evaluated by a state-appointed physician. This request came after Stines’ legal team announced their intention to argue that he was in a state of emotional disturbance at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors are pushing for an assessment to explore whether Stines suffers from any form of mental illness that could affect the judicial decision on his guilt and the subsequent punishment.
Details surrounding a possible motive remain sparse. Prior to the incident, both men reportedly dined with several other individuals at a restaurant located nearby the courthouse. Stines’ attorneys have indicated in recent court documents that their defense strategy hinges on proving that their client was experiencing “extreme emotional disturbance” due to insanity during the alleged attack. Nevertheless, they have clarified that Stines’ mental competence to face trial is not being contested.
Kerri Bartley, Stines’ attorney, emphasized in a statement that the mental health aspect of their defense needs further evaluation. Bartley stated their belief that Stines was subjected to extraordinary stress that significantly altered his mental condition at the time. As of now, Stines remains in custody without the possibility of bail. Special Judge Chris Cohron, overseeing the case, has postponed deliberations about Stines’ bond status to a later date.
The former sheriff has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of murdering a public official. He resigned from his post just days following the tragic event. The case continues to attract considerable attention as the community mourns the loss of Judge Mullins and grapples with the shocking nature of the crime.