Sheriff Mickey Stines is retiring and has his next court appearance today The Bulldog 103.9 FM | 103.9 The Bulldog

Former Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines appears in court today in connection with the Sept. 19 shooting of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins.

Stines officially retired Monday, five days after Gov. Andy Beshear called on him to resign and threatened to fire him if he didn't.

Stine's appearance today is a preliminary hearing being held at the Morgan County Judicial Center.

Last week, Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder at his arraignment.

Although he requested a public defender at this arraignment, Stines has since done so
hired Somerset lawyer Jeremy Bartley along with Kerri Bartley from his firm.

No announcement has been made regarding replacing Stines as sheriff.

The Letcher County Courthouse has now reopened.

The Kentucky Trial Court Review says Letcher District Court will resume proceedings today with Judge Eric Hall of Floyd County as an interim replacement.