Whitesburg, Kentucky, December 5, 2025
Shawn ‘Mickey’ Stines, the former Letcher County Sheriff, is set to have a bond hearing regarding his charges of murdering District Judge Kevin Mullins. The hearing will focus on Stines’ eligibility for bail, not a trial. He has pleaded not guilty and claims to have been suffering from emotional disturbances at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors have not clarified if they will seek the death penalty. The bond hearing date is still pending and could draw significant public interest.
Whitesburg, Kentucky – Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, charged with the September 2024 murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, is set to receive a bond hearing more than a year after his arrest. Circuit Judge Christopher Cohron has approved the hearing but emphasized that it is not a trial rehearsal and will focus solely on determining Stines’ eligibility for bail. A date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
Stines, 43, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering a public official. Security footage from the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg shows a man identified as Stines fatally shooting Judge Mullins in his chambers on September 19, 2024. Following the incident, Stines resigned as sheriff and has been held without bond since his arrest.
The defense has indicated plans to argue that Stines was experiencing an extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the shooting, supported by a social worker’s report describing his behavior as “an active state of psychosis.” Prosecutors have not disclosed whether they will seek the death penalty if Stines is convicted.
Authorities have not revealed a motive for the shooting. Stines and Mullins had known each other for years and had met for lunch on the day of the incident. During that meeting, Judge Mullins reportedly asked Stines if they needed to meet privately, leading to the fatal encounter in the judge’s chambers.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a law enforcement official in the death of a sitting judge. The upcoming bond hearing will address whether Stines is eligible for bail under Kentucky law, with the court first determining his bailability before considering setting a bond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the status of Shawn “Mickey” Stines’ bond hearing?
Shawn “Mickey” Stines is set to receive a bond hearing more than a year after his arrest for the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins. The date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.
What charges is Shawn “Mickey” Stines facing?
Stines is charged with the murder of a public official, specifically the September 2024 killing of District Judge Kevin Mullins.
What is known about the incident involving Judge Mullins?
On September 19, 2024, security footage from the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg shows a man identified as Stines fatally shooting Judge Mullins in his chambers. Stines resigned as sheriff following the incident and has been held without bond since his arrest.
What is the defense’s argument in this case?
The defense plans to argue that Stines was experiencing an extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the shooting, supported by a social worker’s report describing his behavior as “an active state of psychosis.”
Has a motive been established for the shooting?
Authorities have not revealed a motive for the shooting. Stines and Mullins had known each other for years and had met for lunch on the day of the incident. During that meeting, Judge Mullins reportedly asked Stines if they needed to meet privately, leading to the fatal encounter in the judge’s chambers.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Shawn “Mickey” Stines, former Letcher County Sheriff |
| Charge | Murder of a public official (District Judge Kevin Mullins) |
| Incident Date | September 19, 2024 |
| Location | Letcher County Courthouse, Whitesburg, Kentucky |
| Defense Argument | Extreme emotional disturbance; active state of psychosis |
| Motive | Not disclosed by authorities |
| Bond Hearing Status | Scheduled; date to be determined |
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