Former Kentucky sheriff plans insanity defense in alleged murder of judge
Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is set to argue insanity in the murder case of District Judge Kevin Mullins, court records reveal. Stines, 43, intends to present expert evidence related to mental illness as part of his defense strategy, according to a filing by his attorney Jeremy Bartley.
The filing also states that Stines plans to argue a defense of insanity and extreme emotional disturbance in the case. Stines is accused of fatally shooting Judge Mullins in his chambers on September 19, with the incident captured on video. The footage shows Mullins attempting to take cover behind his desk as Stines calmly opens fire.
Stines has been indicted on one count of murder of a public official and pleaded not guilty in November. The two men were reportedly long-time friends before the tragic event occurred. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.
The incident occurred just a month after Stines was deposed in a civil lawsuit related to sexual abuse. Former deputy Ben Fields was convicted in 2021 of sexually assaulting a woman in the same chambers where the shooting took place. The woman was on house arrest at the time, and it was determined that Fields coerced her into sexual favors in exchange for keeping her out of jail.
Stines was accused of failing to adequately train and supervise Fields in the civil lawsuit, which is still pending. The Kentucky State Police is also investigating a separate sex scandal involving Stines and Mullins, with reports that the two had exchanged cell phones before the shooting.
During a preliminary hearing in October, it was revealed that Stines made calls from both his phone and Mullins’ phone inside the judge’s chambers. Detective Clayton Stamper testified that the calls were to Stines’ daughter.
Fox News Digital reached out to Stines’ attorney and prosecutor Jackie Steele for comment on the case. The defense strategy of insanity and extreme emotional disturbance will be a key component of Stines’ trial as he seeks to prove his lack of culpability in the murder of Judge Mullins.
