Video shows a Kentucky judge trying to hide while being shot in the chambers

Stifled sobs were the only sound in the courtroom as silent video showed the moment a Kentucky judge was shot in his chambers at the courthouse.

Shawn Stines, who resigned as Letcher County sheriff on Monday, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins. Stines has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper was the first witness to take the stand at Tuesday's probable cause hearing, testifying from video that showed the fatal shooting. The silent video is only a few seconds long, but appears to show Stines walking into Mullins' chambers with a gun in his outstretched arm. The judge jumps from his chair to the floor and Stines appears to chase him around the desk, firing several times. Before leaving the room, Stines appears to walk over and fire another shot under the desk where the judge was trying to hide.

As the video ended, loud sobs could be heard from the courtroom gallery, where family members of the defendant and victim sat and watched the hearing.

Stamper testified that during a discussion between Stines and Mullins, which was not seen on video, Stines tried to call his daughter on the judge's phone. Stines is said to have already found his daughter's number on the phone. Although no further information was provided about a possible motive, Stamper said that Stines told another officer as he was being taken into custody, “They're trying to kidnap my wife and child.”

Judge Rupert Wilhoit thought it likely the case should be referred to a grand jury. Prosecutors have not said whether they will seek the death penalty for Stines.

RELATED STORY | The Kentucky sheriff charged in the fatal shooting of a judge pleads not guilty at his first court appearance

This story was originally published by Lauren Silver at Court TV.