Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins. The motive remains unclear, but preliminary information suggests that Stines shot Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse. Three days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in connection with a federal lawsuit that accused one of his deputies of sexually abusing a woman in Mullins’ chambers. The lawsuit alleged that Stines failed to adequately train and supervise the deputy. Stines’ lawyer argued that he was immune from being sued due to his position as an elected official and law enforcement officer. Cameras were installed in Mullins’ chambers and courtroom sometime after 2022, but it is unclear if it was a result of the lawsuit.
The shooting has shocked the small community, with Mullins’ brother-in-law and commonwealth’s attorney for Letcher County calling it an “unspeakable tragedy.” The Kentucky Attorney General and the commonwealth’s attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit will handle the case, as the Letcher County attorney recused himself due to a personal relationship with the judge and a staff member’s presence during the shooting. Mullins’ mother expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support after his funeral service. The case is ongoing, with Stines due back in court for a preliminary hearing.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
