Former Kentucky Sheriff in Psychotic State After Alleged Judge Killing, Court Records Reveal
A former Kentucky sheriff charged with murdering a county judge remained in a state of psychosis and clashed with jail staff days after the shooting, according to recently filed court documents.
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, the former sheriff of Letcher County, is accused of fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins inside his chambers nearly a year ago. The killing shocked the small eastern Kentucky community, where Stines had twice been elected sheriff and Mullins was a respected public official.
The Shooting
On September 19, 2023, security footage from Mullins’ chambers captured a man identified as Stines entering the judge’s office. According to grand jury testimony from State Police Detective Clayton Stamper, Stines asked four people to leave, checked several doors, and then borrowed Mullins’ phone. Moments later, Stines allegedly fired two shots at Mullins, followed by more rounds as he circled the desk. Before leaving, he reportedly fired six additional shots under the desk where Mullins had collapsed.
Responding officers found Mullins on the office floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite a wide-ranging investigation, police found no evidence linking Mullins to any personal dispute with Stines or his family.
Aftermath and Arrest
Immediately following the shooting, Stines was seen walking away from the courthouse with what officers described as a “blank look.” When confronted, he allegedly admitted, “There’s nobody else, it was me.”
Court filings reveal that after his arrest, Stines displayed alarming behavior. A jail social worker reported that he remained in “an active state of psychosis,” appeared unable to comprehend the murder charge against him, and had violent episodes requiring officers to use pepper spray.
Mental Health Defense
Stines’ attorneys argue that he was suffering from “extreme emotional disturbance” at the time of the shooting. They are seeking to unseal a mental health evaluation conducted by state doctors, contending it is vital to his defense.
The documents suggest Stines did not fully grasp the nature of his alleged actions or the gravity of the charges against him. His defense team hopes to use these findings to support claims of diminished responsibility.
Prosecution’s Case
Prosecutors, however, argue that the evidence—including video footage and Stines’ own admission—is clear. They are pushing for the trial to be moved out of Letcher County, citing the difficulty of finding an impartial jury in a community where both the accused and the victim were prominent figures.
Stines’ attorneys oppose the relocation, insisting their client can still receive a fair trial locally. No trial date has been set.
Community Shock
The killing has left deep scars in the tight-knit Appalachian community. Mullins was widely regarded as fair and dedicated, while Stines had been a popular sheriff before resigning days after the shooting. The case continues to draw widespread attention across Kentucky, with many questioning how a trusted lawman could end up accused of such a violent act.
For now, Stines remains jailed without bond in eastern Kentucky as legal arguments over his mental state and trial venue play out in court.
