Whitesburg, KY — In a shocking incident that has rocked the small community of Letcher County, Kentucky, the local sheriff was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday for the murder of a district judge. This development follows a disturbing episode caught on surveillance, where Sheriff Shawn Stines, 43, is alleged to have fatally shot Judge Kevin Mullins, his longtime friend, inside the courthouse.
The two men were recorded having a heated discussion just moments before Judge Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times. Mullins, who had served as a judge in Letcher County for 15 years, died at the scene. Stines, who was arrested shortly after the incident on September 19, could potentially face the death penalty if convicted of killing a public official.
Earlier on the fateful day, the sheriff and the judge, friends for over three decades, had lunch together before the confrontation took a deadly turn inside the judge’s chambers. The video captured Stines drawing his firearm and firing eight shots at Mullins, who attempted to hide under his desk. Stines then approached Mullins and allegedly shot him twice at close range.
Following the shooting, Stines surrendered to the police, expressing hope that they would “treat me fair.” He voiced concerns about his family’s safety, claiming his wife and child were being kidnapped, although details about this allegation remain unclear.
The case has ignited not only grief but rampant speculation about the motive behind the killing, with discussions around a possible sex scandal or an “extreme emotional disturbance,” as suggested by Stines’ defense attorney, Jeremy Bartley. However, authorities have not confirmed these theories, and the ongoing investigation continues to hold public attention.
Stines, who retired from his law enforcement position less than two weeks after the shooting, remains in custody at Leslie County Jail. His arraignment scheduled for Monday is eagerly awaited by those seeking justice for Judge Mullins and clarity on the baffling circumstances surrounding his death.
This horrific event has triggered an outpouring of sympathy for the judge’s family and has left the local community stunned. The courthouse, typically a place of law and order, has become the somber backcloth of a grim tale that continues to unfold.
As the legal proceedings advance, further details are expected to emerge, potentially shedding light on the psychological and emotional dimensions that precipitated this tragedy.
As this story is subject to further investigation, it is worth noting that all facts stated herein are based on current knowledge and available information. The depiction of people, incidents and the case as described could evolve as more details come to light. For inquiries or corrections, you may contact contact@publiclawlibrary.org.