Why Did the Sheriff Shoot the Judge?

WHITESBURG, Ky. – In a tragic and shocking incident, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is accused of walking into a private room at the courthouse and fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins. This unsettling crime has left the tight-knit community of Whitesburg reeling, particularly as homicides are rare in this town.

The courtroom shooting occurred on a Thursday afternoon and has resulted in Sheriff Stines facing a first-degree murder charge. He surrendered to the police on the scene and is currently held in Leslie County. Mullins held a significant position as the county’s only judge, solidifying the severity of the incident and the gap it leaves in the local judicial system.

With a population of nearly 1,800 residents as of 2020, Whitesburg is marked by its close community ties. Letcher County Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Butler has removed himself from the case due to personal connections with Mullins; the two had family ties, having previously been married to sisters. Butler noted that his daughters affectionately referred to Mullins as “unkie.”

Recognizing the potential for rampant speculation, Butler urged locals to refrain from gossip during this tumultuous time. He posted a video on social media, asking residents to avoid spreading rumors and to respect the gravity of the situation. “If you are only looking to gossip or to be a troublemaker, please leave me out of that conversation,” he emphasized.

At this time, no motive for the shooting has been publicly disclosed. The Kentucky State Police have not provided details surrounding the incident, and no press conference addressing the case was held following the event. Stines is expected to have his first court appearance next week, but as of now, he has not appointed an attorney to represent him.

The community continues to grapple with questions and uncertainty. Judge Mullins was respected and had a reputation for assisting drug offenders in gaining access to treatment rather than incarceration. In contrast, Sheriff Stines was a familiar face in the community, having worked as a bailiff in Mullins’ court prior to being elected sheriff in 2018. Earlier this year, Stines had decided not to seek re-election.

Legal assistant Patty Wood, who worked near the courthouse, emphasized the closeness of the sheriff, noting that Stines was always eager to help others, saying, “If you need anything, call me.” The news of the shooting left her heartbroken and in disbelief, recalling how she and others at the office rushed to the scene after hearing about the unfolding events.

Witnesses described chaos in the area after the shooting, with emergency responders flooding the scene. Laci Wright, who works at a nearby coffee shop, observed the flurry of ambulances and fire trucks racing by, marking a stark contrast to the serenity that typically fills the small town.

The incident has added another layer of complexity to Stines’ history. He is currently a defendant in a federal lawsuit concerning allegations of failing to properly train a deputy who was accused of misconduct. While Stines has not been implicated in that situation, the ongoing legal matters might contribute to the community’s conflicted feelings regarding the sheriff.

Long-time Whitesburg residents Bill and Josephine Richardson expressed their disbelief at the shooting. They may have known both men, but felt particularly close to Stines, who had sought to improve the county’s revenue by proposing a petition for alcohol sales. Josephine shared that recent conversations had indicated Stines seemed “not himself” leading up to the incident.

Responses to the crisis have drawn media attention, with local and national reporters converging on the scene to cover the unfolding story. As the investigation develops, attorney Jackie Steele from a nearby jurisdiction will oversee the case, ensuring that it proceeds with appropriate scrutiny.

For many, including Patty Wood, the aftermath has deep personal implications. She is close to Stines’ family and shared their distress, revealing they are coping with immense pain and uncertainty in light of the recent tragedy.

Commonwealth Attorney Butler has issued a call for the community to refrain from rash judgments and to focus on mutual support. He called for respect and peace as residents navigate their grief and seek to ensure the safety of their community in the future.

As Whitesburg processes this shocking event, many await answers and clarity, hoping to heal from a tragedy that has forever changed their town.

Source: Courier Journal