Kentucky community is in turmoil after former sheriff is charged with murder of judge

Tragic shooting at Kentucky courthouse as former sheriff accused of killing judge

The small community of Whitesburg, Kentucky is still grappling with the shocking death of District Judge Kevin Mullins, who was fatally shot by former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines. The incident, which occurred on September 19, 2024, shocked many as video footage of the tragic event was shown during the court proceedings.

At the October 1 court hearing, harrowing footage was revealed showing Stines entering Mullins' room, pulling out his gun and shooting the sitting judge multiple times. The audio-free video showed Mullins trying to protect himself by covering his head before falling to the ground. Observers in the courtroom were visibly affected and sobs filled the air as the harrowing moment unfolded.

Mullins, 54 at the time of his death, had been on the bench for 15 years and was well respected in the tight-knit community of about 1,700 residents. Stines, now 43, quickly turned himself in to law enforcement after the shooting, and as the trial takes shape, he faces serious charges, including first-degree murder.

During the preliminary hearing, Detective Clayton Stamper, who led the investigation, recounted how the tragedy unfolded shortly after Stines and Mullins met for lunch at the local courthouse. According to the statements, the two appeared friendly and showed no signs of conflict during the meal, which was attended by several people.

What then led to the shooting? While police confirmed there was an argument between Mullins and Stines before the tragic event, none of the witnesses noticed any hostility at lunch. The nature of the earlier argument remains unclear, but there is evidence that Stines attempted to contact his daughter by telephone shortly before the fatal shooting.

Stamper reviewed footage leading up to the incident, which indicated that Stines had borrowed Mullins' cell phone before the shooting. That call reportedly sparked the confrontation, although police were unable to determine the exact words exchanged between the two men.

After the chilling video was shown, Judge Rupert Wilhoit III ruled that there was enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury to indict Stines. This significant move raises the stakes significantly as Stines could potentially face the death penalty if convicted of murdering an officer. Through his defense attorney, Stines reiterated his claim of innocence and repeated claims that he experienced “extreme emotional disturbance” during the incident.

The aftermath of the shooting has raised troubling questions about Stines' previous actions as sheriff. Just weeks before the incident, he was under legal scrutiny over allegations of misconduct within his department. A previous lawsuit filed against him by two women accused Stines of failing to adequately train and supervise his officers. This case involved serious allegations, including the rape of a woman by Deputy Sheriff Ben Fields in Mullins' chambers, which attracted widespread public attention.

Fields has since pleaded guilty to the relevant charges and is serving time for his actions. The fallout from these allegations appears to confuse Stines' background as a suspected shooter and sheriff. The situation is evolving and both phones involved in the incident are now undergoing forensic examination to gain further insight.

Mullins' death is sending shockwaves not only in Whitesburg but beyond, shining a spotlight on broader issues of trust and safety within law enforcement. Questions could arise about the professional relationship between Stines and Mullins, especially given the tragic circumstances of the shooting. Community members wonder how such violence has disrupted the peace in their justice system and the life of the judge they once looked up to.

Stines' resignation as sheriff is also causing a stir, as it came just a day before the hearing. His defense sought to downplay the allegations against him and emphasized the need for full justice regarding the circumstances that led to Mullins' death. As the state of Kentucky begins to move forward with the grand jury, many are wondering what resolution could come from such a tragic loss.

This case remains under close scrutiny and is a reminder of the fragile relationship between law enforcement officers and the communities they are charged with protecting. With the local justice system and Whitesburg residents still in trouble, it will be critical to see how the case develops and whether it can restore public trust in the future.

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Kentucky community is in turmoil after former sheriff is charged with murder of judge

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