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A Sheriff Shoots And Kill His Judge Friend
The recent shooting in Letcher County, Kentucky, where Sheriff Mickey Stines allegedly killed District Judge Kevin Mullins, has left the community baffled. Stines and Mullins had been close colleagues for over a decade, and the shocking event occurred on September 19, 2024, inside Mullins’ chambers. Video footage captured Stines firing multiple shots at Mullins, who attempted to shield himself. Sheriff Stines appeared unusually calm after the incident, and authorities quickly arrested him, charging him with first-degree murder. Stines made a cryptic statement during his arrest, claiming that someone was attempting to kidnap his wife and daughter.
An Unclear Motive
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leaving investigators and the community puzzled. Some speculate that Stines’ deteriorating mental state may have played a role, particularly following his deposition in a lawsuit involving a former deputy accused of coercing a woman for sex. The incident has deeply unsettled Letcher County, a tight-knit community where many feel personally connected to both Stines and Mullins. Both men had worked closely together for years, with Stines once serving as Mullins’ bailiff. This tragedy has deeply impacted the community, as residents struggle to reconcile the violence between two trusted officials.
Rumors Have Started To Spread
The case has sparked numerous rumors, with social media amplifying speculation, despite efforts by community leaders to quell misinformation. A grand jury will now deliberate on the case, while Stines’ defense attorney insists that the Commonwealth must eventually provide a clear motive for such an unprecedented act. This tragic event will likely reverberate through the community for years to come.
Who Are Kevin Mullins And Shawn Stines?
Shawn “Mickey” Stines and Kevin Mullins were both prominent figures in Letcher County, Kentucky, with long histories of serving their community.
Mullins, 54, had been a district judge in Kentucky’s 47th District Court since his appointment in 2009 by former Governor Steve Beshear. Known for his dedication to tackling the region’s substance abuse crisis, Mullins worked on programs that provided addiction treatment and peer support services in the courthouse. Before becoming a judge, Mullins served as an assistant commonwealth attorney, focusing on drug-related offenses. His reputation as a judge was one of fairness and a strong advocate for recovery efforts, helping many residents receive treatment for addiction.
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, had served as Letcher County sheriff for about eight years at the time of the shooting. As sheriff, Stines was responsible for courthouse security, including the personal protection of judges like Mullins. Stines maintained a long-standing relationship with Mullins, having served as his bailiff before his election as sheriff. In his role as sheriff, he actively combated drug-related issues and received praise for several recent drug busts in the county. Known for his commitment, Stines frequently engaged with the community, using social media to share updates on local law enforcement efforts.
A Timeline Of The Events
The tragic events surrounding the shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins by Sheriff Mickey Stines on September 19, 2024, unfolded rapidly and left the community reeling. Both men had been close friends and colleagues for over a decade, but the fateful day began with them having lunch together, seemingly without any indication of what was to come.
The Two Met In The Judge Chambers
Later in the afternoon, the two met in Mullins’ chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse, where a heated exchange took place, as seen on surveillance footage. Stines, who had served as Mullins’ bailiff for years, appeared agitated and eventually drew his firearm, pointing it at the judge. Mullins, sensing the danger, raised his hands and attempted to shield himself behind his desk. Despite his efforts, Stines fired eight rounds at Mullins. The video shows Mullins desperately trying to hide under his desk as Stines approached and fired two more close-range shots.
Before The Shooting, Calls Were Made
Before the shooting, Stines had made multiple phone calls to his daughter using both his and the judge’s phones, adding to the confusion surrounding his actions. Stines calmly surrendered to authorities after the shooting, allowing them to arrest him without resistance. Later, his defense attorney described the act as one committed in a “heat of passion” and argued that Stines had been experiencing extreme emotional disturbance, requesting that the charges be reduced from first-degree murder to manslaughter.
Driven By Fear
During his arrest, Stines allegedly told police he acted out of fear that someone was attempting to kidnap his wife and child. Meanwhile, the case has sparked widespread rumors, including suggestions of a possible connection to a sex scandal, though authorities have yet to provide clear details. As law enforcement continues gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, a grand jury is expected to investigate the case further.
The Evidence And Testimonies
The evidence collected in the investigation surrounding the killing of District Judge Kevin Mullins by Sheriff Mickey Stines has been a focal point for both law enforcement and the legal teams involved. Video surveillance from inside the Letcher County Courthouse is one of the key pieces of evidence. This footage reportedly shows the moments leading up to the shooting, including the argument between Stines and Mullins and Stines firing multiple shots at the judge. Mullins attempts to shield himself behind his desk, but Stines fatally shoots him moments later. The footage, though chilling, provides crucial insight into the sequence of events, but it does not clarify the motive behind the attack.
The Phone Calls Made From Both Phones
In addition to the surveillance footage, investigators have been analyzing the communications between Stines and his daughter. Prior to the shooting, Stines made several phone calls to his daughter using both his and Mullins’ phones. Kentucky State Police are examining the phones to gather more information about these calls and any potential links they may have to the sheriff’s cryptic statement during his arrest, in which he claimed someone was attempting to kidnap his wife and daughter. This statement continues to cause significant confusion, and neither the sheriff nor his defense team has fully explained it.
A Former Lawsuit That Is Being Reviewed
Moreover, investigators are reviewing evidence from a federal lawsuit involving a former deputy in Stines’ department. In this case, a woman accuses the deputy of coercing her into sex in exchange for leniency regarding an ankle monitor, with some of these incidents allegedly occurring in Judge Mullins’ chambers. Just three days before the shooting, Stines gave a deposition, and his visibly agitated demeanor has since drawn attention. Investigators are now examining whether this case, or Stines’ state of mind following the deposition, may have played a role in the fatal incident.
Witness Are being Interviewed
Finally, investigators have interviewed witnesses and other courthouse employees, though no one else was in the chambers during the shooting. As they piece together all this evidence, officials expect the case to go before a grand jury for further deliberation. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement and legal teams are likely to uncover more details as they continue their work.
His Arraignment: Pleaded Not Guilty
During his first court appearance on September 25, 2024, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, the Letcher County sheriff accused of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of first-degree murder. Officials held the arraignment remotely in Carter County, approximately 100 miles from the courthouse where the shooting occurred six days earlier. Stines, 43, appeared from the Leslie County Detention Center, where authorities are holding him without bond.
No New Evidence
During the brief hearing, the prosecution presented no new evidence and offered no explanation for a motive behind the killing, which continues to perplex investigators and the Letcher County community. Stines, who was responsible for courthouse security, including the protection of judges, had reportedly shot Mullins multiple times in the judge’s chambers on September 19. Stines and Mullins had shared lunch together earlier that day, further heightening the shock felt by their colleagues and the local community. The shooting left a void in the justice system, as both men were well-respected public figures.
Requested A Court- Appointed Attorney
At the arraignment, Stines requested a court-appointed attorney, stating that he was in the process of losing his job as sheriff and would soon be without income. This prompted a brief exchange between Stines’ defense and Judge Rupert Wilhoit, as the judge expressed skepticism about whether Stines, who owned two homes and earned a significant salary, was truly indigent. His public defender explained that Stines would no longer have income moving forward, given his loss of employment.
The case is being closely watched as law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting. A preliminary hearing to present evidence in the case was scheduled for October 1 in Morgan County, another location distant from the crime scene. The community remains stunned and is awaiting further clarity as the investigation progresses.
Potentially Faces A Death Penalty
If Shawn “Mickey” Stines is convicted of the first-degree murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, he could potentially face the death penalty, which remains a legal punishment in Kentucky for particularly heinous crimes. First-degree murder, which involves the intentional killing of another person with premeditation or during certain aggravated circumstances, is one of the most serious offenses under Kentucky law. Given that Stines, a sitting sheriff, allegedly killed a sitting judge—an act that disrupts the foundations of law and order—the case could be seen as especially egregious by prosecutors. Such a crime has not only deeply affected the local community but also shaken the broader judicial system.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Shawn Stines Case
Shawn Stines is facing a first-degree murder charge following the fatal shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins. This charge is among the most serious in Kentucky, especially given the victim’s role as a sitting judge.
If convicted, Stines could potentially face the death penalty under Kentucky law, particularly given the aggravated circumstances of the crime involving a public servant in a position of authority.
Key evidence includes surveillance footage from the courthouse showing the events of the shooting, phone records between Stines and his daughter, and testimonies from witnesses and officials present on the day of the incident.
Stines’ defense argues that he was experiencing an “extreme emotional disturbance” at the time of the incident, which could potentially lead to a reduction in charges from murder to manslaughter if proven.
The community in Letcher County is shocked and devastated by the incident, as both Stines and Mullins were well-known public figures who had worked together for years, making the tragic event even more impactful locally.
