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Kentucky sheriff accused of murder resigns

A Kentucky attorney resigned Monday as sheriff of the county where he is accused of entering a judge's chambers and killing him in a shootout that stunned her Appalachian community. Shawn “Mickey” Stines is leaving the Letcher County sheriff's post after a long career in One of his attorneys, Kerri Bartley, described law enforcement as retirement. His decision was not the result of an ultimatum or a concession to prosecutors' allegations, she said. “Rather, Sheriff Stines made this decision to allow a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while dealing with the legal proceedings before him,” Bartley said in a statement. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had called on Stines to resign and threatened to initiate removal proceedings if he refused. “Every county in Kentucky needs an active, working sheriff,” the Democratic governor told reporters last week. “One of the most important tasks of the state government is to provide security to our people. And right now, there is no active, working sheriff in Letcher County. Letcher County's chief judge will be responsible for appointing a new sheriff, Beshear said. Stines, 43, recently pleaded not guilty to murder and is scheduled to be in court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday. The preliminary investigation revealed that Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times after an argument at the courthouse, according to Kentucky State Police. Police did not provide any information about a possible motive. Mullins, 54, who held the judgeship for 15 years, died at the scene and Stines surrendered. If convicted, he faces 20 years to life in prison. Since he is accused of killing an officer, he could potentially face the death penalty. Stines is being held in another county in Kentucky. The Kentucky Attorney General's Office is working with a special prosecutor in the case. The deadly shooting rocked the close-knit town of Whitesburg, the Letcher County seat, of about 1,700 residents near the Virginia border in southeastern Kentucky. At the judge's funeral in a high school gym, he was remembered for his public service. Those who know both the sheriff and judge have nothing but praise for her, remembering how Mullins helped people with a substance abuse disorder get treatment and how Stines led efforts to combat the opioid crisis. They worked together for years and were friends. Stines' attorney said Monday that the former sheriff wanted to thank his past and present co-workers, as well as others who worked with him during his more than 22 years of service. “He asks.” Your thoughts and prayers of support for him and his family; and asks that her privacy be respected during the legal proceedings,” his lawyer said.

WHITESBURG, Ky. –

A Kentucky attorney resigned Monday as sheriff of the county where he is accused of invading a judge's chambers and killing him in a shootout that stunned her Appalachian community.

Shawn “Mickey” Stines' departure from the Letcher County sheriff's post after a long career in law enforcement was described as retirement by one of his attorneys, Kerri Bartley. His decision was not the result of an ultimatum or a concession to prosecutors' allegations, she said.

“Rather, Sheriff Stines made this decision to allow a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while dealing with the legal proceedings before him,” Bartley said in a statement.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had called on Stines to resign and threatened to initiate removal proceedings if he refused.

“Every county in Kentucky needs an active, working sheriff,” the Democratic governor told reporters last week. “One of the most important tasks of the state government is to provide security to our people. And right now there is no active or working sheriff in Letcher County.”

Letcher County's chief judge will be responsible for appointing a new sheriff, Beshear said.

Stines, 43, recently pleaded not guilty to murder and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday. According to Kentucky State Police, the preliminary investigation revealed that Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times after an argument at the courthouse.

Police did not provide any information about a possible motive.

Mullins, 54, who served as judge for 15 years, died at the scene and Stines surrendered. If convicted, he faces 20 years to life in prison. Since he is accused of killing an officer, he could potentially face the death penalty. Stines is being held in another county in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Attorney General's Office is working with a special prosecutor in the case.

The deadly shooting rocked the close-knit town of Whitesburg, the Letcher County seat of about 1,700 residents near the Virginia border in southeastern Kentucky. He was remembered for his public service at the judge's funeral in a high school gym.

Those who know both the sheriff and judge have nothing but praise for them, remembering how Mullins helped people with a substance abuse disorder get treatment and how Stines led efforts to combat the opioid crisis. They worked together for years and were friends.

Stines' attorney said Monday that the former sheriff wanted to thank his past and present co-workers, as well as others who worked with him during his more than 22 years of service.

“He asks for your thoughts and prayers of support for him and his family. and asks that her privacy be respected during the legal proceedings,” his lawyer said.

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