Sheriff Charged in Judge’s Death Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charge

A sheriff from a small Appalachian county in Kentucky has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a judge, a shocking incident that has left the community in disbelief. Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, aged 43, is accused of walking into Judge Kevin Mullins’ chambers and fatally shooting him during an argument.

Stines was arraigned via video before a special judge on Wednesday. The judge, Carter County District Judge H. Rupert Wilhoit III, is temporarily standing in for Mullins, who was murdered on September 19. During the brief hearing, Stines, appearing in a gray jail uniform, did not display any emotion as he listened to the proceedings alongside a public defender, who entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. There was no discussion regarding bail, and the judge made it clear that the case could lead to the death penalty.

This hearing marks Stines’ first court appearance since the shocking event that has reverberated across Whitesburg, a quaint town located approximately two-and-a-half hours southeast of Lexington, close to the Virginia border. Preliminary investigations indicate that Stines shot Mullins multiple times after a disagreement arose within the courthouse. The 54-year-old judge died at the scene, while Stines surrendered shortly after without any resistance. He has been charged with first-degree murder.

So far, law enforcement officials have not disclosed any details regarding a potential motive behind the attack. The Kentucky attorney general’s office is working alongside a special prosecutor in the ongoing investigation. Lead county prosecutor Matt Butler has recused himself from the case due to his personal connections with the victim, highlighting that Mullins was well-respected and liked in the community.

Butler stated, “We all know each other here. Anyone from Letcher County would tell you that Judge Mullins and I married sisters and that we have children who are first cousins but act like siblings.” This close-knit connection exemplifies the shocking nature of the tragedy that has unfolded within the community.

Community members who knew both the sheriff and the judge have expressed heartfelt condolences, recalling their contributions to the local area. Judge Mullins was recognized for his efforts to assist individuals struggling with substance abuse by providing them access to treatment. Simultaneously, Sheriff Stines was noted for leading initiatives aimed at combating the opioid crisis, further showcasing the bond and collaborative spirit they shared.

Mullins had served as a district judge in Letcher County since his appointment by former Governor Steve Beshear in 2009, followed by his re-election in the subsequent year. In a twist of events, just days before the shooting, a federal lawsuit was filed against Stines. The lawsuit accused him of failing to investigate claims that one of his deputies had sexually abused a woman within Mullins’ chambers while serving as a bailiff. Stines was deposed as part of this legal action only three days prior to the incident.

The tragic shooting and ensuing legal proceedings have shaken the residents of Letcher County, where both the sheriff and judge were admired figures. The outcome of the case will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the community as they grapple with the loss of a dedicated public servant and the implications of the actions of someone they thought they knew.

As the investigation continues, the Letcher County community is left to mourn the loss of Judge Mullins, a well-regarded leader, and to ponder the effects of this incident on their close-knit society.

Source: CBS News