Letcher County sheriff retires after shooting and judge's death

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky sheriff accused of shooting and killing a judge at a courthouse has announced his resignation.

Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is charged with murder in the Sept. 19 death of District Judge Kevin Mullins.

Stines pleaded guilty to the charge a week later.

In a letter to Gov. Andy Beshear's office, Stines' attorney said his client's decision was “not the result of an ultimatum or in any way a concession to the allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

They add that Stines' decision is to allow a successor to protect Letcher County's “beloved constituents” while he awaits the legal challenges ahead.

Stines served as sheriff for 22 years and is retiring effective immediately.

He returns to court on Tuesday.

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