Unraveling the Kentucky Sheriff Charged in Judge’s Fatal Shooting
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, the Kentucky sheriff accused of shooting a district judge dead in his chambers, did not plan the killing and was not in his right mind, according to his lawyer.
A Moment Gone Awry
“It was not something that was planned and occurred in the heat of passion,” defense attorney Jeremy Bartley told People. “For us, the highest level of culpability should be manslaughter based on the partial defense of extreme emotional disturbance.”
In a shocking turn of events, video evidence exhibited at the preliminary hearing on October 1 purportedly captured Letcher County Sheriff Stines shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times while he sat at his desk on September 19. The stark contrast between the camaraderie shared over countless lunches and this tragic confrontation leaves many questions unanswered. The air in the courtroom was heavy with disbelief, as the unfolding drama painted a narrative of friendship turned fatal.
Digging Deeper into Despair
“We believe there had to be a compelling reason for Sheriff Stines to feel like he had to take action,” Bartley continued, hinting at complexities that might not be so easily unravelled. Community members are left grasping at straws, yearning for clarity amidst turmoil. Detective Clayton Stamper testified that the two had shared lunch just hours before the tragic incident, historically bonded as colleagues and friends.
In a chilling twist, Stines reportedly tried to reach his daughter through both his and Mullins’ phone. Was there something on the judge’s device that triggered this strife? Detective Stamper admitted, “It could be, but I don’t know that for a fact.” The uncertainty looms, demanding introspection about mental strain and impulsive actions that could stem from distress.
A Community Shattered
After the shooting, Stines displayed an eerie calmness, merely asking, “Treat me fair.” He later claimed, “they’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid,” when taken into custody, a statement that conjures a whirlwind of emotional upheaval and paranoia. For a town like Whitesburg, where everyone knows one another, this incident has shaken the foundations of trust.
Friends of Mullins, including former mayor Garnard Kincer Jr., expressed their disbelief: “We’re all in a state of shock over it. It practically immobilized us. We just can’t believe it happened.” For a community reliant on local businesses, where gatherings often include the sheriff himself, the incident feels like a wound that may never heal.
As the community of Letcher County grapples with the aftermath, Stines has since resigned from his position. Despite the turmoil, he has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. At an October 2 hearing, a judge concluded there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. The echoes of laughter shared over weekend barbecues at local favorite, Coon Creek BBQ, juxtaposed with the chilling realities of courtroom dramas, prompt reflection on the fragility of human relationships.
Bartley could not be reached for comment at press time, leaving us to ponder the intricate web of emotions that led to this tragedy. It reminds us that beneath the surface, the pressures of life, the bonds of friendship, and the depths of despair often weave a complex story—one that elicits both sympathy and caution.
