Shawn “Mickey” Stines, the former sheriff of Letcher County, Kentucky, is due back in court today for an arraignment after being indicted for the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins. The fatal shooting, which occurred two months ago in Mullins’ chambers, shocked the small community and has left many questions unanswered.
A Tragic Shooting Shakes a Community
On September 19, 2024, Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was fatally shot in his chambers at the Letcher County courthouse. Stines, then serving as sheriff, was seen on surveillance footage shooting Mullins multiple times. Afterward, Stines was seen on video checking the judge’s phone and making calls before surrendering to authorities at the scene.
The shooting has led to an indictment on one count of murder of a public official. Although the grand jury did not reveal a clear motive, video evidence played in court last month showed a chilling scene, where Mullins was shot while trying to hide behind his desk. Stines’ defense has suggested that he was under an “extreme emotional disturbance,” and they argue for a lesser charge of manslaughter instead of murder.
Stines has pleaded not guilty, and the court will now address the charges, with the possibility of a death penalty if he is convicted. As the case moves forward, the community remains stunned, grappling with the loss of a respected judge and trying to understand the motives behind such a tragic act. The arraignment today marks the next step in what is sure to be a highly watched legal process.
