Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder on Wednesday after allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times during an argument inside the Letcher County Courthouse in Kentucky. Stines appeared remotely for his arraignment, maintaining a stone-faced demeanor throughout the hearing.
The court addressed Stines’ request for a court-appointed attorney and judge, expressing skepticism about his financial situation. Although Stines reported an income of $115,000 and ownership of two homes, public defender Josh Miller noted that Stines was facing job loss and would soon have no income.
The shooting occurred last Thursday, shocking the tight-knit community of Whitesburg. Judge Mullins, 54, who had served for 15 years, was declared dead at the scene. Witnesses noted that Mullins and Stines had interacted normally just hours prior to the incident, with plans for lunch together. However, Stines reportedly appeared quieter than usual.
Prior to the shooting, Stines had been involved in a lawsuit filed by two women, one alleging that a deputy had coerced her into sex in Mullins’ chambers for six months in exchange for avoiding jail. The lawsuit accused Stines of failing to adequately train and supervise the deputy. The former deputy, Ben Fields, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, and was sentenced to six months in jail followed by probation.
The Kentucky Attorney General’s office announced that it would work with a commonwealth’s attorney as special prosecutors for the case, emphasizing a commitment to a thorough investigation and pursuit of justice.