Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins. The shooting occurred at the Letcher County Courthouse after an argument, with Stines surrendering at the scene. Stines was being held in the Leslie County jail and appeared virtually for his arraignment. A motive for the shooting remains unclear according to Kentucky State Trooper Matt Gayheart.
Three days before the shooting, Stines was deposed for nearly four hours in connection with a federal lawsuit that accused one of his deputies of sexual abuse in Judge Mullins’ chambers. The lawsuit alleged that Stines failed to adequately supervise the deputy, turning the courthouse into a “brothel.” Stines’ lawyer argued that he was immune from being sued due to his position as an elected official and law enforcement officer.
The lawsuit did not accuse Judge Mullins of any wrongdoing. Following the shooting, cameras were installed in the chambers and courtroom, although it is unclear if this was related to the lawsuit. The shooting has had a significant impact on the community, with Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Butler, Mullins’ brother-in-law, describing it as an “unspeakable tragedy.” The case will be handled by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman and Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele due to Butler’s recusal from the case.
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