Ex Letcher County Sheriff, Shawn ‘ Mickey ‘ Stines, accused of shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins dead in his office on the 19th of September 2024 following an altercation.
The motive behind the “Sheriff Shoots Judge” incident is uncertain, Stines stands accused of first degree murder and claims he was under an ‘extreme emotional disturbance.’
It occurred during the night and after having lunch with each other; the video presents Stines accosting Mullins before the shooting.
Background of the Individuals Involved
In 2018, Shawn “Mickey” Stines won the election as the sheriff of Letcher County in Kentucky and insisted on fighting opioid abuse.
That was the year his job suddenly turned into a tragic event when he was charged with shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in September 2024.
Friends and family of Mullins said that he had a very good working relationship with Stines, who was a judge for 15 years and was known for his passion for fairness and commitment to the community, particularly drug rehabilitation.
Timeline
After reading about the “Sheriff Shoots Judge” incident we should take a look at the timeline of it as well.
On 19th September, 2024, Ex Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is said to have fired shots at District Judge Kevin Mullins while they were having lunch with a group.
After the meal Stines thought it necessary to visit Mullins’ chambers in an effort to have a word behind closed doors, the two engaged in an argument.
Stines had a gun and in the bitter exchange, shot at Mullins several times while Mullins attempted to hide behind his desk.
The Argument in the Judge’s Chambers
Before the “Sheriff Shoots Judge” incident, Stines got into an angry confrontation with District Judge Kevin Mullins in the judge’s office that ended with a loud shut up from Stines.
The surveillance camera captures Stines scooping a gun, pointing it at Mullins before pulling the trigger.
Two witnesses did not perceive any signs of conflict during lunch time but when Mullins suggested the meeting in private, it made the rumours of there perhaps being some underlying problems true.
Moreover, Stines attempted to telephone his daughter on both his and Mullins’ mobiles straight before the fight, and it may signal the existence of personal reasons for engaging in the fight.
The Shooting Incident
Image Credit : foxnewsVideo evidence of the Sheriff Shoots Judge is captured with ex Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines taking aim at District Judge Kevin Mullins in his office.
Stines pulls out a gun and points it at Mullins’ head and the judge reacts with hands up covering his head and turning aside.
When Mullins bends down behind his desk to hide, Stines shoots at him several times, then follows him and shoots again in close combat.
After “Sheriff Shoots Judge” incident, the video also shows how Stines began to aggressively follow Mullins, and Mullins quickly moved away from the wall as if alerting to danger.
Immediate Aftermath of the Shooting
After the “Sheriff Shoots Judge” incident, the police and other emergency services arrested Stines on the spot.
They said that when police in tactical uniforms arrived at the courthouse the scene was frightening at first, especially thinking there was an active shooter on the loose.
Some of the local residents expressed their dismay and surprise and said that they had never seen violence of such a kind in their area.
Stines were also described as calm after the incident, thereby raising other issues of safety of the public, and the ability of local police to protect them.
Court Proceedings and Legal Developments
After reading about”Sheriff Shoots Judge” incident. Let’s have a peek at his trial.
Ex Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines pled not guilty.
The judge denied bond citing safety concerns and the severity of the charges, which carry the death penalty.
Subsequent court hearings featured surveillance footage of Stines shooting Mullins and discussions on evidence such as phone records showing calls made by Stines prior to the incident.
The defense contended that Stines was under an “extreme emotional disturbance,” indicating that a manslaughter charge might be more fitting.
Defense Strategy and Claims
Shawn “Mickey” Stines’ defense claims he was in an “extreme emotional disturbance” during the shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, implying the event was impulsive rather than planned.
His attorney argues this emotional condition warrants a charge of first-degree manslaughter instead of murder, reflecting an absence of intent to kill.
Investigative Findings
Kentucky State Police are examining the reasons behind the shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins by former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, concentrating on the events that led to their encounter.
Evidence includes surveillance video of Stines shooting Mullins and phone records indicating Stines tried to call his daughter using both his and Mullins’ phones just before the incident.
The footage hints at a possible cause for the conflict, as Stines seemed to look at Mullins’ phone before the shooting.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Local and national media have thoroughly reported on the Sheriff Shoots Judge incident, emphasizing the shocking crime and graphic surveillance footage presented in court.
Public perception has notably changed, with community members showing disbelief and mourning Mullins’ loss, as worries about trust in local law enforcement have surfaced.
The incident has also initiated discussions on mental health and accountability in the judicial system, underscoring wider safety concerns in public institutions.
The tragic Sheriff Shoots Judge incident has profoundly impacted the Letcher County community and raised critical questions about mental health, public safety, and trust in local institutions.