Letcher County, KY Sheriff arrested in shooting death of District Judge (3 Viewers)

Sheriff Mickey Stines was arrested after surrendering himself to police. The shooting occurred in the judge’s chambers about 3 p.m. this afternoon (September 19).
Stines allegedly walked into the judge’s outer office, told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with District Judge Kevin D. Mullins alone. The two then went into the inner office, closed the door and those outside heard shots. Stines walked out with his hands up and surrendered to police.

Court employees were on the sidewalk outside the courthouse in shock following the shooting. Stines was handcuffed in the foyer of the courthouse. Officials expected the investigation to continue for several more hours.

Sheriff arrested in shooting death of District Judge - The Mountain Eagle

Kentucky State Police and Letcher County Coroner Perry Fowler were still at the Letcher County Courthouse at 5 p.m. today investigating the shooting death of Letcher District Judge Kevin D. Mullins, apparently by the Letcher County Sheriff. Officials say Sheriff Mickey Stines was arrested after...

www.themountaineagle.com

 

[Kimster]

I watched a video of her videos last week. She seems mature for her age and was just matter of fact in them, not over the top, not over emotional. SHe really did not shed any insight on the case and would not talk of that and I'm sure she's been advised not to most likely. SHe does urge people to come forward, not to LE but I believe it was a PI about corruption or things they may know or experienced in this area...

I watched one, too. I hope people quit spreading rumors about her. That was a rumor early on that has been debunked.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I watched one, too. I hope people quit spreading rumors about her. That was a rumor early on that has been debunked.

Yes, I liked her overall and the way she handled herself. I think it should be dropped too although I can't deny I wonder why the judge would have her number and why she answered his call made by her dad on his phone I mean, but not her dad's.. There could be many an explanation other than the one jumped to though.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Brian Entin with yet another woman spoken to about the sex with the judge thi1ng. She also talks of her mother with the same thing (now deceased), the generational drug thing in the area and more.

Of note, it sounds like the SD has contacted at least one of these women who has publicly made such accusations to come in and talk to them. She was scared when first contacted and who in their situation woudn't be. I hope the SD is doing this on a serious basis and not going to threaten her in any way. I think the corruption there runs deep and with many myself.

Worth watching.

 

[GrandmaBear]

It's interesting how the sheriff is the accused, the judge is the victim but everything coming out is about the judge. I was coming to the conc1usion, and now it has been said in this video too, in a way, that maybe Stines saw the judge as the prob1em of a11 of it, that he was deposed over this sex stuff there and pressure was maybe coming from many quarters or from the judge at 1east to stay quiet. What 1engths wou1d the judge have gone to to save his reputation...??? These women are a11 scared to death of repercussions and who wou1dn't be? Even if not afraid for se1f, they cou1d pu11 over your kids if driving age, your parent, etc. Once in jai1 there's no contro1 or saving yourse1f from this corrupt bunch. The noise needs to get SO 1oud they don't dare arrest any one of them or anyone remote1y connected to them.

 

[GrandmaBear]

A1so said in it were there are others that did the same to the women who have not YET been named.

 

[Tresir]

It's interesting how the sheriff is the accused, the judge is the victim but everything coming out is about the judge. I was coming to the conc1usion, and now it has been said in this video too, in a way, that maybe Stines saw the judge as the prob1em of a11 of it, that he was deposed over this sex stuff there and pressure was maybe coming from many quarters or from the judge at 1east to stay quiet. What 1engths wou1d the judge have gone to to save his reputation...??? These women are a11 scared to death of repercussions and who wou1dn't be? Even if not afraid for se1f, they cou1d pu11 over your kids if driving age, your parent, etc. Once in jai1 there's no contro1 or saving yourse1f from this corrupt bunch. The noise needs to get SO 1oud they don't dare arrest any one of them or anyone remote1y connected to them.

I think they are all corrupt. The sheriff was the judges clerk for 20 years before he was the sheriff. We have also heard about the sheriff's deputy letting women off having the ankle monitor in return for sex with him. I am pretty sure the sheriff and the judge were complicit in this too. With the judge and the deputy carrying on like this, i don't believe the sheriff is innocent. I think he shot the judge as he knew too much about his own involvement.

What a terrible place to live, bent cops, bent judge, drugs and sex uncontrolled by the sound of it.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I think they are all corrupt. The sheriff was the judges clerk for 20 years before he was the sheriff. We have also heard about the sheriff's deputy letting women off having the ankle monitor in return for sex with him. I am pretty sure the sheriff and the judge were complicit in this too. With the judge and the deputy carrying on like this, i don't believe the sheriff is innocent. I think he shot the judge as he knew too much about his own involvement.

What a terrible place to live, bent cops, bent judge, drugs and sex uncontrolled by the sound of it.

I don't deny the sheriff had to have known and was complicit and he certainly was over his own deputy. After having seen though a number of women speak out over time, without fail, they 1iked the sheriff and it doesn't sound 1ike he engaged in the sex.

I more so am saying the judge was very bad and did this constant1y. In the beginning, statements were more 1ike there was nothing bad about the judge.

Yes, I agree they were a11 corrupt and I think an outside agency from far shou1d be the ones to be 1ooking into it and c1eaning house.

interesting in the video too was they expect this to p1ay in at tria1 with the defense and I gathered that's been said or hinted at.

 

[Guess Who]

I think they are all corrupt. The sheriff was the judges clerk for 20 years before he was the sheriff. We have also heard about the sheriff's deputy letting women off having the ankle monitor in return for sex with him. I am pretty sure the sheriff and the judge were complicit in this too. With the judge and the deputy carrying on like this, i don't believe the sheriff is innocent. I think he shot the judge as he knew too much about his own involvement.

What a terrible place to live, bent cops, bent judge, drugs and sex uncontrolled by the sound of it.

You wouldn't believe how often this type of behavior happens. It's a power trip.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Judge denies ex-Letcher County sheriff's motion to dismiss indictment

A judge said video evidence of Shawn "Mickey" Stines fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins is enough for probable cause.

spectrumnews1.com

Judge denies ex-Letcher County sheriff's motion to dismiss indictment​

A judge has denied former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines' motion to dismiss his murder indictment, according to court records.

Special Judge Christopher T. Cohron said the case will proceed in a court order filed Dec. 3.

According to the order, Stines argued the prosecutor misled the grand jury in Nov. 2024 about his mental state and an Oct. 2024 grand jury meeting wasn't recorded.

Cohron wrote that video evidence of Stines fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins is suficient probable cause for a murder indictment. He added the Oct. 2024 meeting was just to request subpoenas and no sworn testimony was given, meaning no recording was required.

Cohron also rejected Stines' motion to open his Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center evaluation as the court already denied dismissal of his murder indictment.

A final order shows Cohron granted Stines' motion for a bond hearing. He said the court will first decide if Stines can get bail under Kentucky law. The prosecution has to show why bail should be denied and can use the shooting video; Stines may present witnesses but not the KCPC report.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Family of Kentucky judge killed in courthouse files lawsuit

The family of an eastern Kentucky judge who was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers is taking legal action.

www.wlky.com

Family of Kentucky judge killed in courthouse files lawsuit​

The family of an eastern Kentucky judge who was shot and killed in his courthouse chambers is taking legal action.

Kimberly Mullins filed a lawsuit on behalf of herself and her two daughters against former Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines and three sheriff's office employees.

Stines is charged with murdering Judge Kevin Mullins.

The lawsuit claims the sheriff's office was aware of Stines' concerning behavior and didn't warn Kevin Mullins.

The family is seeking damages for loss of income and punitive damages.https://www.wlky.com/article/ex-ken...der-motion-dismiss-indictment-denied/69633567

 

[Guess Who]

Judge denies ex-Letcher County sheriff's motion to dismiss indictment

A judge said video evidence of Shawn "Mickey" Stines fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins is enough for probable cause.

spectrumnews1.com

Judge denies ex-Letcher County sheriff's motion to dismiss indictment​

A judge has denied former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines' motion to dismiss his murder indictment, according to court records.

Special Judge Christopher T. Cohron said the case will proceed in a court order filed Dec. 3.

According to the order, Stines argued the prosecutor misled the grand jury in Nov. 2024 about his mental state and an Oct. 2024 grand jury meeting wasn't recorded.

Cohron wrote that video evidence of Stines fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins is suficient probable cause for a murder indictment. He added the Oct. 2024 meeting was just to request subpoenas and no sworn testimony was given, meaning no recording was required.

Cohron also rejected Stines' motion to open his Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center evaluation as the court already denied dismissal of his murder indictment.

A final order shows Cohron granted Stines' motion for a bond hearing. He said the court will first decide if Stines can get bail under Kentucky law. The prosecution has to show why bail should be denied and can use the shooting video; Stines may present witnesses but not the KCPC report.

Duh.

Cohron wrote that video evidence of Stines fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins is suficient probable cause for a murder indictment.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Ex-Kentucky sheriff admits to shooting judge but claims he 'had no control' over actions: report

Former Kentucky sheriff reportedly admits to courthouse shooting of judge, plans insanity defense citing extreme emotional disturbance and psychotic episodes.

www.foxnews.com

Ex-Kentucky sheriff admits to shooting judge but claims he 'had no control' over actions: report​

A former Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down a sitting judge inside his courthouse chambers has admitted to pulling the trigger, according to newly filed court documents, while his defense moves to lean heavily on an insanity argument as the case heads towards trial.

The admission comes as the former sheriff's attorneys have worked to establish that Stines was suffering from "extreme emotional disturbance" prior to the shooting, suggesting his legal team is preparing a broad insanity defense, the outlet reported.

In a document written a few days after the shooting, a social worker who met with Stines in jail said he had remained in "an active state of psychosis" and didn’t appear to understand the criminal charge against him. Stines had "episodes of combativeness which has required pepper spray," The Associated Press reported.

In a deposition Stines gave investigators in the days leading up to the shooting, he claimed to have been suffering from dizziness, headaches, sweating and memory loss brought on by California encephalitis, a neurological disease resulting from bug bites, the Herald-Leader reported.

Prosecutors have not commented on the latest filings. Stines' legal team has argued that a portion of his mental evaluation should remain sealed, a position that the judge recently upheld.


Under Kentucky law, proof of mental incapacitation or extreme emotional distress could take the death penalty off the table in Stines’ case, the Herald-Leader reported. However, a defendant’s standards of intent reportedly differ in civil cases, with Mullins’ widow filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Stines and three other Letcher County Sheriff’s Office employees in September.


Stines' attorneys reportedly moved to dismiss the case under the sovereign immunity doctrine, which shields government officials from civil liability claims while acting in their official capacity. They also asked a judge to dismiss the negligence claims against him, citing the accusation must show proof of intent.

"As Sheriff, he was a county employee and, therefore, is entitled to the same sovereign immunity granted to the County itself," his attorneys wrote, according to the Herald-Leader. "Based on this, the official capacity claims against Shawn Stines must be dismissed."

Additionally, Stines’ attorneys reportedly detailed a possible defense they could use to portray their client’s state of mind during the alleged killing, insisting that he "had no control," and was suffering from "pre-existing conditions."

 

[Kimster]

The excuses are flying all over Letcher County, aren't they?

 

[Guess Who]

Ex-Kentucky sheriff admits to shooting judge but claims he 'had no control' over actions: report

Former Kentucky sheriff reportedly admits to courthouse shooting of judge, plans insanity defense citing extreme emotional disturbance and psychotic episodes.

www.foxnews.com

Ex-Kentucky sheriff admits to shooting judge but claims he 'had no control' over actions: report​

A former Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down a sitting judge inside his courthouse chambers has admitted to pulling the trigger, according to newly filed court documents, while his defense moves to lean heavily on an insanity argument as the case heads towards trial.

The admission comes as the former sheriff's attorneys have worked to establish that Stines was suffering from "extreme emotional disturbance" prior to the shooting, suggesting his legal team is preparing a broad insanity defense, the outlet reported.

In a document written a few days after the shooting, a social worker who met with Stines in jail said he had remained in "an active state of psychosis" and didn’t appear to understand the criminal charge against him. Stines had "episodes of combativeness which has required pepper spray," The Associated Press reported.

In a deposition Stines gave investigators in the days leading up to the shooting, he claimed to have been suffering from dizziness, headaches, sweating and memory loss brought on by California encephalitis, a neurological disease resulting from bug bites, the Herald-Leader reported.

Prosecutors have not commented on the latest filings. Stines' legal team has argued that a portion of his mental evaluation should remain sealed, a position that the judge recently upheld.


Under Kentucky law, proof of mental incapacitation or extreme emotional distress could take the death penalty off the table in Stines’ case, the Herald-Leader reported. However, a defendant’s standards of intent reportedly differ in civil cases, with Mullins’ widow filing a wrongful death lawsuit against Stines and three other Letcher County Sheriff’s Office employees in September.


Stines' attorneys reportedly moved to dismiss the case under the sovereign immunity doctrine, which shields government officials from civil liability claims while acting in their official capacity. They also asked a judge to dismiss the negligence claims against him, citing the accusation must show proof of intent.

"As Sheriff, he was a county employee and, therefore, is entitled to the same sovereign immunity granted to the County itself," his attorneys wrote, according to the Herald-Leader. "Based on this, the official capacity claims against Shawn Stines must be dismissed."

Additionally, Stines’ attorneys reportedly detailed a possible defense they could use to portray their client’s state of mind during the alleged killing, insisting that he "had no control," and was suffering from "pre-existing conditions."

Sounds like he had no business being a sheriff with that excuse.

 

[Kimster]

Sounds like he had no business being a sheriff with that excuse.

None of them had any business with law enforcement. It's a disgusting hot mess.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Without fail, all of the women who have talked in this case have nothing bad to say about Stines as opposed to the judge...

I never blame a victim but I do have to say I don't have much like for the victim in this case. His wife filing a lawsuit disgusts me, he used his bench and position to violate women unless each and every one of them is lying. This is a DIRTY county imo from all we've heard and they'll never get it cleaned up.

I don't condone what Stines did but as far as him, it appears he was stuck in a position where he may have known about things but did not participate in them. This is my personal opinion. And if nothing else, this ended up shedding daylight and national scrutiny on the area AND has some women brave enough to talk.

The judge from all I've heard and I wondered and suspected it from the start was a dirty man. Even so, Stines shot him in cold blood. It's an act that is wrong and a law enforcement professional should know that better than anyone.

No matter what the reason, the excuses, that's what he did and it is caught so very clearly on video. He did what he did and it deserves consequences.

However, I have little sympathy for the creepy judge or his wife and she should stop her lawsuit and sit the F down. DISGUSTING PIG he was and hard to believe she didn't know it. A judge in a small county has probably the most power of anyone. And I'm betting she very much enjoyed the status of being the judge's wife. Even though all knew he was screwing everything in sight and not upholding the law by any means, but abusing his power, privielege and position.

That's my take on it up to now. My opinion could change depending on what comes out.

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Well, I'm glad he confessed. It would've been hard to convict him without a confession.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Well, I'm glad he confessed. It would've been hard to convict him without a confession.

View attachment 28111

Yeah the video wouldn't be enough without the confession lol.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Well, apparently the defense has asked the judge to recuse himself based on connection to the victim in this case, a fellow judge. There's more about it. I am linking Scott's. He does great legal analysis etc. on cases, he is a lawyer but his videos cover several cases in a video so it is hard to link it without getting timestamps etc. for people. So the part about this case is about 21 minutes in and lasts to about 25:17.

The other cases are often worth listening to though. After this one is the kid from Home Improvement in domestics and more in his life, probably about to get sent to do time over violating conditions on another case, etc. I think he is the one that played Brad? Been a long time since I watched the show. Interesting, didn't know about any of it...

 

[GrandmaBear]

And Reiner and more of course. This case again is 21 minutes in, just 4 minutes long.