The case involving a former Kentucky sheriff accused of murdering a district judge continues to unfold with new details emerging.
The defense team is currently sifting through a mountain of evidence as they prepare for the trial of Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 44.
Stines, who previously served as the Letcher County Sheriff, was arrested for the fatal shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in his chambers on September 19.
A grand jury indicted Stines on one count of murdering a public official.
During a recent court hearing, he pleaded not guilty.
Defense Tackles a Massive Evidence Load
Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley described the evidence provided by prosecutors as “voluminous” during a remote court session.
Prosecutor Jackie Steele shared that additional evidence is still being collected and tested, estimating the process could take another four to six months.
While Stines appeared remotely from jail, he showed no visible emotion as his defense team discussed plans for the upcoming trial.
They also announced intentions to request bond during a future hearing.
Circuit Court Judge Christopher Cohron, newly appointed to the case, confirmed that he would address the matter of bond at the appropriate time.
A Shocking Incident Caught on Camera
The tragic event was captured on video, showing a man—identified by authorities as Stines—shooting Mullins multiple times inside his chambers.
According to reports, Stines entered the courthouse, requested a private meeting with Mullins, and the two began arguing.
The argument escalated, resulting in Mullins being fatally shot at his desk.
Stines later surrendered to law enforcement and is currently being held in a separate Kentucky County Jail.
He resigned from his position as sheriff shortly after the incident.
A Complicated History and a Federal Lawsuit
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, a federal lawsuit involving allegations of misconduct surfaced just days before the shooting.
Sabrina Adkins, the plaintiff in the lawsuit, accused Deputy Sheriff Ben Fields of using his authority to pressure women into sexual relationships.
Adkins also implicated Judge Mullins, claiming he engaged in inappropriate behavior and alleging some incidents were recorded.
Stines had been deposed as part of this lawsuit just three days before the shooting.
His attorney, Bartley, suggested that the deposition could play a significant role in understanding his client’s actions, saying, “It’s going to be a large portion of the story we tell.”
A Personal Connection Turned Tragic
Stines and Mullins had reportedly been close friends for nearly three decades.
Witnesses even saw them dining together at a local restaurant just hours before the fatal encounter.
Despite this long-standing relationship, no clear motive has been officially provided by authorities.
Possible Outcomes
As the case moves forward, Stines faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
For now, the legal teams on both sides are working through the extensive evidence, with the defense focusing on piecing together the story behind this shocking event.
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