Small Town Shocker: Sheriff Allegedly Marches Into Judge’s Chambers And Shoots Him
The small town of Letcher County, Kentucky has been rocked by the shocking murder of District Judge Kevin D. Mullins. No matter the perpetrator, such violence would capture attention. But the location of the shooting — the judge’s office — and the alleged shooter — Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines — has left folks just gobsmacked.
The Mountain Eagle describes the shooting, and Stines’ apparent complete lack of artifice as he committed the crime yesterday afternoon:
Stines allegedly walked into the judge’s outer office, told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with Mullins alone. The two then went into the inner office, closed the door and those outside heard shots. Stines walked out with his hands up and surrendered to police.
Stines was arrested and charged with first degree murder.
As reported by the Courier Journal, Stines and Mullins were both involved in a 2022 lawsuit alleging misconduct by a deputy sheriff.
In a 2022 lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court alleging a Letcher County deputy sheriff offered “favorable treatment for sexual favors,” Stines was listed as a defendant for “for allegedly failing to properly train” the deputy sheriff, the Courier Journal previously reported.
The suit says the abuse occurred in the chamber of Mullins, but does not say if he was aware of it or allege he was involved in any wrongdoing. The suit also alleged Stines did not “reasonably respond” to reports or suspicions.
Stines went on to fire the deputy sheriff for “conduct unbecoming,” the Courier Journal previously reported.
Stines was expected to provide testimony in a deposition in that case on Monday.
Mullins was appointed to his judicial post in 2009, and was elected to the position the following year. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @[email protected].
