In a courtroom filled with emotion, sobs echoed as the jury watched chilling footage of a tragic event that shook the small town of Whitesburg, Kentucky.
A Kentucky sheriff, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, was captured on CCTV shooting his longtime friend, District Court Judge Kevin Mullins.
The shocking incident, which took place inside the judge’s office, left the community in disbelief.
The Devastating Footage
During the preliminary hearing, the court was shown CCTV footage of Stines entering the inner chamber of Judge Mullins.
As the video played, the audience saw Stines, 43, shoot Mullins, 54, multiple times while he sat behind his desk.
In a desperate attempt to escape the bullets, Mullins tried to hide behind his desk and chair, but Stines continued firing before leaving the room.
The courtroom fell silent except for the sound of sobs from the public gallery.
Two women could be seen comforting each other after watching the horrific video.
The Shocking Discovery
As the investigation into the motive continues, the court heard that Stines became enraged after finding his daughter’s phone number in Mullins’ contact list.
According to testimony, Stines called his daughter from the judge’s phone, and within seconds, he opened fire.
The court has not yet shared further background details on the discovery, leaving many to speculate about the true nature of their relationship and the reason for the outburst.
The Legal Proceedings Begin
The preliminary hearing is part of the court’s effort to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a grand jury trial.
Stines has pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder, and the judge in this case determined there was probable cause to advance the case.
Lead investigator, Detective Clayton Stamper, testified that just before the shooting, the two men appeared to be having a casual conversation, even using their cell phones.
It was during this time that Stines borrowed Mullins’ phone, which may have triggered the tragic event.
Stamper also stated that there is no current evidence that the shooting was premeditated, nor is there any indication that it wasn’t a reaction to what Stines found on the phone.
A Tragic End to a Long Friendship
Stines and Mullins had known each other for over 20 years, and on the day of the incident, they had lunch together with other friends.
At some point during their meal, Mullins allegedly asked Stines if they needed to meet in private, leading to their encounter in the judge’s chambers.
According to police reports, Stines calmly walked out of the judge’s office after the shooting, hands raised, and surrendered to the officers.
He is now facing the possibility of the death penalty due to Mullins’ status as a public official.
Remembering Judge Mullins
Judge Mullins was highly respected in his community, having served in the 47th district since his appointment in 2009 by former Governor Steve Beshear.
He handled a variety of cases, including juvenile matters, traffic offenses, and domestic violence cases.
Mullins was also known for his dedication to helping those struggling with drug addiction, creating a program that allowed individuals with substance abuse issues to enter treatment rather than face jail time.
Before his time as a judge, Mullins worked as an assistant commonwealth attorney for nearly a decade, focusing on drug-related crimes.
His tragic death leaves a significant void in the community, where he was admired for both his legal expertise and his compassionate approach to justice.
What’s Next?
As the case moves forward, investigators are still piecing together the events leading up to the shooting.
Stines, who was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022, now faces the grim possibility of a death sentence.
Three cell phones, including Stines’ and Mullins’, are being analyzed for further clues, while Stines’ daughter has already been interviewed by authorities.
The upcoming grand jury trial will determine if Stines will face a formal charge of murder, and the community continues to grapple with the heartbreaking loss of a respected judge and a deeply disturbing betrayal of friendship.
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