The defense team representing a Kentucky sheriff who allegedly shot a judge in his chambers last year says they are reviewing “voluminous” amounts of evidence.
Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines was jailed after the September 19 murder of 54-year-old Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins. Stines was indicted by a grand jury for murdering a government official, to which he pleaded not guilty. guilty.
44-year-old former sheriff’s attorney Jeremy Bartley said during a remote hearing Friday that the defense is reviewing “voluminous” amounts of potential evidence presented by prosecutors.
Prosecutors may need another four to six months to gather all possible evidence and complete testing, according to prosecutor Jackie Steele.
“There are still some things coming in and some things being tested,” Steele said.
Stines, who appeared remotely from jail for Friday’s video conference, showed no emotion as he sat behind his attorneys as his upcoming murder trial was discussed.
Stines’ attorneys also indicated they plan to ask for bond to be set at another hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Circuit Court Judge Christopher Cohron, who was appointed special judge in the case last month, said he would “be happy to discuss the tape then.”
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 44, appeared remotely from jail Friday as he and his attorneys prepared for his upcoming murder trial. Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley said the defense is reviewing “voluminous” amounts of potential evidence from prosecutors
Stines was jailed after the September 19 murder of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins
Stines’ attorneys also indicated they plan to ask that bond be set at another hearing, which has yet to be scheduled
Bartley said the issue of Stines’ bail release was in limbo until Cohron was appointed to the case.
Stines, then sheriff, is accused of fatally shooting Judge Mullins, who died at the scene.
The incident was caught on camera in a video in which a man, identified by authorities as Stines, pulled out a gun and shot Mullins as he sat at his desk.
The man then walked around the desk and fired the gun again at Mullins who had fallen to the ground.
Stines reportedly entered the courthouse and told others he needed to speak to Mullins alone. Once inside the rooms, the two began arguing and authorities say Mullins was shot several times.
He reportedly surrendered to police and is being held at another Kentucky County jail.
Stines resigned from his position as sheriff shortly after the incident.
Just days prior to the shooting, Stines had been deposed in a separate federal lawsuit filed by Sabrina Adkins.
Stines, then sheriff, is accused of fatally shooting Judge Mullins, who died at the scene. The incident was caught on camera, with video showing a man, identified as Stines, pulling out a gun and shooting Mullins as he sat at his desk.
Judge Mullins had been accused by Adkins of inappropriate behavior, claiming that she had witnessed sexual acts with women in exchange for special treatment
Stines had been a close friend of Mullins for about 30 years, and the pair had even had lunch together at a local restaurant just hours before the shooting.
Judge Mullins had been accused by Adkins of inappropriate behavior, claiming she had witnessed sexual acts with women in exchange for special treatment.
The lawsuit, filed in January 2022, alleged that Mullins engaged in a sex-for-favors scheme within his chambers.
Adkins also alleged that former deputy Ben Fields was involved after filming illegal encounters allegedly involving Mullins.
The disgraced sheriff was also named in the legal proceedings just three days before the shooting.
Bartley cited this case as a potential factor in Stines’ actions. He said: ‘I think the statement plays several important roles in this case… it will be a big part of the story we tell.’
Stines had been a close friend of Mullins for about 30 years, and the pair had even had lunch together at a local restaurant just hours before the shooting.
The alleged judge shooter could face the death penalty if convicted.
No specific evidence has been reported and police have not provided an official motive for the shooting.