Whitesburg, Kentucky — As the trial date approaches for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, the question of bond eligibility remains in limbo nearly a year after the tragic shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins. A defense attorney has argued for a $50,000 cash or property bond, asserting that Stines does not pose a flight risk or threat to public safety. In contrast, prosecutors maintain that Stines should be denied bond due to the capital nature of the charges he faces.
Stines has been incarcerated since September when Mullins was fatally shot inside the courthouse. The judge succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while Stines surrendered to law enforcement without incident. He has entered a not guilty plea to the charge of murdering a public official.
During a hearing on Friday, Circuit Judge Christopher Cohron, who is presiding over the case as a special judge, did not make a ruling on the bond request. Both the defense and prosecution are expected to submit further briefs by September 2 on various pretrial issues, and the judge indicated that he would work to expedite his ruling. He also noted that a trial date may be established once these preliminary matters are settled.
The justification for the shooting remains undisclosed, leaving the small, close-knit community of Whitesburg in shock. Situated approximately 100 miles southeast of Lexington, this Appalachian town has been grappling with the aftermath of the violence.
In a courtroom discussion, defense attorney Kerri Bartley emphasized Stines’ low risk level if granted bond, asserting that there are no grounds for concern about his potential flight or danger to others. “He has strong family ties and support in the community,” Bartley noted, pointing out that Stines has a wife and daughter who remain in his life.
Opposing this view, special prosecutor Jackie Steele argued that Stines’ reputation and community ties are irrelevant to the case. “What he did in the community is not what matters here; it’s the charges themselves that are at the forefront,” Steele contended. The prosecutor referenced a section of Kentucky’s constitution regarding bail eligibility for those accused of serious crimes.
In earlier hearings, disturbing video evidence was presented, capturing the moment Mullins was shot. The footage shows a man, identified as Stines, pulling a firearm and shooting at the seated judge, who attempted to take cover. The image of this violent act has further weighed on the conscience of the local community.
If convicted, Stines could face the death penalty; however, prosecutors have not yet announced whether they intend to pursue that option. Stines and Mullins were known to have a relationship, dining together on the day of the shooting along with other individuals. The specifics of their private conversations from that day remain unclear.
Additionally, the defense has brought forward motions seeking to unseal Stines’ psychological evaluation and to dismiss the indictment altogether. A decision on whether further hearings are warranted on these motions has yet to be made by the judge.
This article was automatically generated by AI, and the people, facts, circumstances, and story may contain inaccuracies. Requests for article removal, retraction, or correction can be sent to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.