Newly released body camera footage has revealed the chilling aftermath of the shooting of a Kentucky judge in his courthouse.
Shawn ‘Mickey’ Stines, 44, is accused of shooting Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in his chambers on September 19.
Body camera videos from the day of the shooting showed officers rushing toward the Letcher County Courthouse as the scene quickly became a hub of police activity.
Patrol cars swarmed the area, lights flashing as sirens blared through the streets of Whitesburg.
Officers surrounded the building and yellow caution tape was meticulously placed around the perimeter of the courthouse to secure the scene.
The 911 call brought emergency services to the scene.
“I have an emergency at the courthouse,” the caller said. ‘I need an ambulance here right now.
When the operator asked about the situation, the caller responded, “The judge has been shot.”
Newly released body camera footage has revealed the chilling aftermath of the shooting of a Kentucky judge in his courthouse.
Shawn ‘Mickey’ Stines, 43, is accused of fatally shooting Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in his chambers on September 19.
Nearby streets were cordoned off as officers placed orange traffic cones to divert vehicles and pedestrians, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Inside the courthouse, chaos unfolded as first responders attempted to help Judge Mullins. Despite their efforts, Mullins, who had worked as a judge for 15 years, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stines allegedly entered the courthouse and told others that he needed to speak with Judge Mullins alone.
Once they were inside the chambers, an argument ensued, during which Stines shot Mullins several times before surrendering to authorities, according to authorities.
He has pleaded not guilty to murder and is being held in another county jail in Kentucky.
Stines resigned as sheriff shortly after the incident and Billy Jones was sworn in as his replacement on October 1.
Just days before the shooting, Stines had been found guilty in a separate federal lawsuit filed by Sabrina Adkins.
She accused Judge Mullins of inappropriate behavior, alleging that she had seen him engage in sexual acts with women in exchange for special treatment.
Stiles admitted to the shooting but pleaded not guilty to the murder, arguing that “it was something that happened in the heat of passion.”
This lawsuit, filed in January 2022, alleged that Mullins was involved in a sex-for-favors scheme within his offices.
Adkins also alleged that former MP Ben Fields was involved, having filmed illicit encounters, some of which allegedly involved Mullins.
Stines, a close friend of Mullins for about 30 years, was named in the legal proceedings just three days before the shooting.
Stines’ defense attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has referenced this case as a potential factor in Stines’ actions. Bartley said, “I think the deposition has several important functions in this case… it will be a big part of the story we tell.”
The shooting has shocked the local community, as Stines and Mullins had shared a personal and professional bond for years.
In fact, just hours before the shooting, the two were seen dining together at a local restaurant, Streetside Grill & Bar, a regular lunch spot for both of them.
Stines allegedly entered the courthouse and told others that he needed to speak with Judge Mullins alone. Once they were inside the chambers, an argument ensued, during which Stines shot Mullins several times before surrendering to authorities, according to authorities.
They had ordered their usual meal: wings with salad.
His legal team is working on a defense strategy that includes referencing the ongoing federal lawsuit involving Mullins and Fields.