Former Letcher County Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Judge’s Murder
Whitesburg, KY – Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines pleaded not guilty on Monday to the murder of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins. The shooting occurred in the judge’s chambers on September 19, marking a shocking event in the local legal community. Stines’ attorney, Jeremy Bartley, asserted that they have a "compelling defense" to justify the shooting, linking it to Stines’ deposition in a related sex abuse lawsuit earlier that month.
Stines was under scrutiny due to a lawsuit involving allegations against Deputy Ben Fields, accused of sexual assault against two women, one of whom claimed the assaults occurred in Mullins’ chambers. The suit alleges that Stines failed to adequately supervise Fields, who has since been convicted. Bartley emphasized the deposition’s significance in the ongoing murder case, hinting at more details to unfold during the judicial proceedings.
Prosecuting Attorney Jackie Steele has declined to comment on the potential implications of the deposition in the shooting case, although he does not anticipate additional charges beyond murder of a public official. Stines has been denied bond following his arraignment, with Judge Julia H. Adams citing the seriousness of the charges as a key consideration.
Stines, 43, was a close colleague of Mullins, 54, before the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community. Det. Clayton Stamper from Kentucky State Police testified that Stines had lunch with Mullins hours before the shooting. The motive remains unclear, but Stines reportedly expressed concerns that "they’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid" upon his arrest.
As the case unfolds, the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, which has left many in disbelief. The former sheriff has since resigned, with ongoing investigations aiming to clarify the circumstances surrounding this disturbing incident.
