West Liberty, Kentucky – Shocking footage depicting the fatal shooting of a Kentucky judge unfolded during a preliminary hearing for Shawn “Mickey” Stines, the former sheriff accused of murdering District Judge Kevin Mullins. Stines, 43, who resigned as sheriff of Letcher County the day before the hearing, appeared in court in a jail uniform and handcuffs as prosecutors laid out their case against him.
During the hearing, Judge Rupert Wilhoit determined there was probable cause to refer the first-degree murder charge to a grand jury. While Stines did not dispute shooting Mullins last month, his defense team argued that he was experiencing an “extreme emotional disturbance” at the time. Despite a not guilty plea to first-degree murder at his arraignment, Stines was visibly affected as grisly surveillance footage was played in court.
The surveillance video from the judge’s chambers depicted a chilling scene as Stines shot Mullins multiple times while the judge sought refuge behind his desk. After the initial barrage, Stines appeared to notice movement from Mullins and fired several more shots before leaving the room. The video’s disturbing content prompted emotional reactions from the courtroom gallery, with some spectators audibly distraught.
According to Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper, witnesses had seen Stines and Mullins share a meal together before the shooting, with no outward signs of hostility during the conversation. However, an exchange where Mullins mentioned meeting in private in his chambers was noted by witnesses. Stamper also revealed that Stines had made calls from both his phone and Mullins’ phone before the shooting occurred.
Following the shooting, Stines surrendered himself to law enforcement, claiming that his wife and child were being threatened. Despite initial confusion, Stines remained relatively calm during his apprehension. The preliminary hearing, held nearly 100 miles away from Letcher County, where Mullins was killed, saw a special judge appointed to oversee the case due to the circumstances.
The day after the hearing, Stines formally resigned as sheriff, setting the stage for legal proceedings ahead. With the possibility of facing the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder, Stines remains at the center of a case that has shocked the community and raised questions about what led to the tragic events in the judge’s chambers.