A preliminary hearing was held Tuesday for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who is accused of murdering District Judge Kevin Mullins inside the judge’s chambers last month. During the hearing, a state police detective testified that Stines appeared “calm” after the fatal shooting and made a series of unusual statements to officers.
Detective Clayton Stamper, who led the investigation, told the court that Stines allegedly attempted to call his daughter using both his and the judge’s cell phones before the shooting. Following the incident, Stines was taken into custody and reportedly claimed, “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid,” raising questions about his mental state at the time of the shooting.
In a significant development, Stines officially stepped down from his position as sheriff on Monday, just one day before the hearing. The resignation adds another layer of complexity to the case, as it marks the official end of his role in law enforcement while he faces serious criminal charges.
The shooting, which occurred last month, has shocked the local community. Judge Mullins, a respected figure in the Kentucky legal community, was found shot to death in his chambers, and Stines was immediately arrested at the scene. Authorities have yet to disclose a clear motive for the killing, though the case has garnered widespread attention due to its tragic and unexpected nature.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the special judge assigned to the case determined that there is probable cause to move forward with the murder charge against Stines. The former sheriff remains in jail without bail as the case proceeds through the legal system. His defense has not yet publicly commented on a potential motive, though his alleged statements at the time of his arrest suggest that he believed his family was in danger.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, with both law enforcement and legal professionals expressing disbelief over the incident. Judge Mullins had served in the district for several years, and his death has left a significant void in the region’s judiciary.
As the legal proceedings continue, the court will examine the circumstances leading up to the shooting and whether there are any underlying factors, such as Stines’ mental health, that may have contributed to the crime.
The next hearing is expected in the coming weeks, as the prosecution builds its case against Stines.
