Summary
On September 19, 2024, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines allegedly shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times in the judge’s chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky. The incident, which was captured on security video, resulted in Mullins’ death, and Stines has been charged with first-degree murder.
The shooting reportedly followed an argument between Stines and Mullins, with investigators suggesting a possible motive linked to personal matters involving Stines’ daughter. Just days before the incident, Stines had been deposed in a federal civil lawsuit regarding his alleged failure to supervise a deputy accused of abuse in Mullins’ chambers. Following the shooting, Stines surrendered to authorities and pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime, the relationships involved, and the shocking circumstances of a law enforcement officer killing a judicial figure in a courthouse setting.
Incident Overview
- Date: September 19, 2024
- Location: Letcher County Courthouse, Whitesburg, Kentucky
- Victim: District Judge Kevin Mullins, aged 54
- Accused: Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, aged 43
- Charge: First-degree murder
Details of the Shooting
Surveillance footage from the courthouse depicted the moments leading to the shooting, showing Stines entering Mullins’ chambers and allegedly shooting him while he was seated at his desk. The video, played during a preliminary hearing, revealed that Mullins raised his hands in a gesture of submission before being shot multiple times, including while attempting to seek cover under his desk.
Legal Proceedings
Stines has since resigned from his position as sheriff and is currently facing a murder trial. His defense attorney claims that Stines was in a state of “extreme emotional disturbance” during the incident, arguing for a lesser charge of manslaughter based on the circumstances leading to the shooting. The case continues to unfold, with community members expressing shock over the violent act and its implications for local governance and safety.
Kentucky sheriff charged in judge's murder did not plan killing, caught in 'heat of passion': lawyer
Oct. 9 / Fox News / Focuses on the defense's argument of "extreme emotional disturbance," providing insights into Stines' mental state. The legal perspective adds depth, though it leans heavily on the defense narrative. “ Former acting attorney general Matt Whitaker discusses the rising threat of violence to America’s prominent figures and concern for Supreme Court justices'...
Kentucky sheriff charged in judge's murder did not plan killing, caught in 'heat of passion': lawyer
Oct. 9 / Fox News / Reiterates key points about the defense's claims while adding details from the preliminary hearing. The article's repetition of earlier information may dilute its impact, but it remains informative. “ Former acting attorney general Matt Whitaker discusses the rising threat of violence to America’s prominent figures and concern for Supreme Court justices'...
Deadly shooting of Kentucky judge at courthouse was captured on video
Oct. 2 / Nbc News / Reveals critical video evidence of the shooting, providing a stark visual context to the incident. The focus on the surveillance footage enhances understanding, though it may be disturbing for some readers. “ In surveillance video that captured the courthouse slaying of a Kentucky judge , the sheriff charged in the death appears to shoot at the judge multiple...
New Details Emerge About Former Kentucky Sheriff Accused of Killing Judge
Oct. 1 / Newsweek / Presents a concise update on the legal proceedings and community reactions, capturing the emotional aftermath of Mullins' death. It effectively conveys the community's grief and the judge's legacy. “ A former accused of fatally shooting a judge is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday. Former Shawn "Mickey" Stines, 43, is facing...
Kentucky Sheriff Appears to Shoot Judge Dead in Courthouse on Video
Oct. 4 / Tmz / Delivers a gripping account of the shooting, emphasizing the dramatic courtroom moments. The inclusion of possible motives adds intrigue, making it a compelling choice for those seeking detailed event analysis. “ The fatal shooting of a Kentucky judge by a sheriff was apparently captured on security video -- and the moments leading up to the alleged cold-blooded...
Kentucky governor tells sheriff accused of fatally shooting judge to resign
Sep. 26 / Nbc News / Highlights the political implications of the shooting, showcasing the governor's response and the potential for removal proceedings. It effectively contextualizes the incident within broader governance issues. “ The general counsel for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ordered the sheriff accused of gunning down a judge in his chambers to resign by the end of the week or...
Sep. 20 / The Hill / Offers a brief overview of Judge Mullins, but lacks depth. It serves as a useful background piece, though it doesn't contribute significantly to the ongoing legal narrative or the motivations behind the shooting. “ Here is what we know about Judge Kevin Mullins, his alleged killer and the county they both served.