The defense attorney for Sheriff Shawn ‘Mickey’ Stines argues that the shooting was an impulsive act driven by overwhelming emotions.
The Incident Unfolds
Sheriff Stines, 43, is facing serious charges after allegedly firing eight bullets into Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, at the Letcher County Courthouse on September 19.
This shocking event has left the community of Whitesburg reeling, especially after Stines resigned from his position following the incident and pleaded not guilty to murder.
Video footage reveals a tense moment, showing Stines aiming his weapon at Mullins, who had his hands raised in a defensive posture behind his desk.
However, Stines’ legal team maintains that this was not a premeditated act.
According to defense attorney Jeremy Bartley, “It was not something that was planned and occurred in the heat of passion.”
Bartley believes the circumstances warrant a manslaughter charge instead, emphasizing that Stines must have had a compelling reason for his actions.
A Possible Motive
While detectives are investigating various leads, early reports suggest that the confrontation may have stemmed from Stines discovering his daughter’s phone number in Mullins’ contacts.
During a preliminary hearing on October 2, CCTV footage was shown, indicating that Stines had checked his phone before making a call from the judge’s device.
Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper revealed that Stines had attempted to reach his daughter using both his own and Mullins’ phones.
In an interesting twist, just hours before the shooting, Stines and Mullins, who had been friends for years, shared lunch at a local bar just a stone’s throw from the courthouse.
Tensions Leading Up to the Shooting
Stamper recounted an intriguing detail from the day of the incident, noting that Mullins had made a remark to Stines suggesting a private meeting in his chambers.
When Stines was apprehended, he allegedly expressed concerns, claiming, “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid.”
According to police, Stines approached Mullins’ outer office and informed court staff that he needed to speak with the judge privately.
Once inside, the tragic shooting occurred, after which Stines exited with his hands raised, surrendering to the officers present.
Background and Ongoing Investigations
Judge Mullins had been serving in the state’s 47th district since his appointment in 2009.
Stines, who had previously served as Mullins’ bailiff, was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022.
Authorities are also probing into the possibility of a ‘sex scandal’ as a motive behind Mullins’ death.
One crucial factor that may weigh heavily on Stines is a civil lawsuit involving a former deputy who was convicted of rape.
The lawsuit alleges that Stines failed to provide proper training and supervision to ex-deputy Ben Fields, who coerced a woman under home incarceration into sexual acts—disturbingly, within the very chambers of Judge Mullins.
What Lies Ahead?
The investigation into this tragic incident continues, and as details unfold, the community grapples with the implications of such a shocking betrayal of trust.
Both Stines and Mullins were known figures in the area, making the events all the more heart-wrenching.