A former sheriff in Kentucky, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, is facing charges for the killing of District Judge Kevin Mullins and intends to use an insanity defense in court.
According to court documents, Stines’ lawyer, Jeremy Bartley, plans to argue that Stines was experiencing severe mental health issues at the time of the incident, describing it as a tragic situation for everyone involved.
The alleged shooting took place on September 19 in Whitesburg, Kentucky, after a dispute in the judge’s office. Reports indicate that Stines shot Mullins multiple times while he was seated at his desk, and continued shooting as the judge fell to the floor.
Just days before the shooting, Stines had given a lengthy deposition in a civil lawsuit concerning accusations against a former deputy sheriff who allegedly pressured two women into sexual acts. One woman claimed this happened in Mullins’ private courthouse office.
The deputy sheriff involved, Ben Fields, has since pleaded guilty to several charges in relation to that case.
Bartley stated that Stines experienced immense pressure during the civil suit and had difficulty sleeping in the days leading up to the tragic event. His family and coworkers became worried about his mental state and took him to see a medical professional just before the shooting. Stines had reportedly expressed fear that others could harm him or his family.
The police have not yet disclosed a clear motive for the shooting, which has shocked the small community of Letcher County, where both Stines and Mullins were well-known figures. Before becoming sheriff in 2018, Stines served as the bailiff in Mullins’ courtroom.
Mullins had a wide range of responsibilities as a district judge, handling various cases including misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and civil matters. The two men had shared a meal earlier that day with several others, according to testimonies from law enforcement during preliminary hearings.
