In a shocking incident that stunned the Appalachian community, a video showing the murder of Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers was played during a court hearing for former sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines. Stines, the ex-sheriff of Letcher County, is accused of fatally shooting the judge on September 19. The video clip presented by prosecutors showed Stines pulling out a gun, shooting the judge multiple times, and then surrendering without incident.
The motive behind the shooting is still unclear, with police revealing that an argument between Stines and Mullins led up to the tragic event. The police investigation into the case revealed that the shooting occurred after a phone call was made, but the exact details of the conversation remain unknown. Both Stines and Mullins had met for lunch earlier that day, and surveillance footage showed Stines using the judge’s phone to make a call, possibly to his daughter.
Prior to the shooting, Stines had been deposed in a lawsuit involving allegations of misconduct within the sheriff’s office. The lawsuit, filed by two women, accused a deputy sheriff of forcing one of the women to have sex in exchange for staying out of jail. The former deputy, Ben Fields, was later convicted of rape and other charges. Stines, who was accused of failing to adequately supervise the deputy, had fired him for “conduct unbecoming” after the lawsuit was filed.
During the preliminary hearing, it was revealed that no weapon was found on Mullins or in his chambers after the shooting. Stines, who pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, could potentially face 20 years to life in prison if convicted. Since he is accused of killing a public official, he might even face the death penalty.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock and raised questions about the events leading up to the shooting. Stines’ defense team has expressed their intention to conduct their own investigation into the case, seeking answers to the lingering questions surrounding the motive and circumstances of the crime.
As the case moves forward to a grand jury for possible indictment, the community awaits further developments in this harrowing tale of violence and tragedy that has shaken the foundations of their small town. The loss of Judge Mullins has left a void in the judicial system, and his memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and worked with him.
