Former Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Judge's Murder

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines has pleaded not guilty to the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, which occurred in Mullins' chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse on September 19. Stines, who resigned following the incident, was arraigned in the courthouse under tight security and remains without bond due to community safety concerns. Surveillance footage shows Stines shooting Mullins at point-blank range, but no audio or clear motive has been established, though Stines attempted to call his daughter from the judge's phone before the shooting. The defense claims Stines acted under 'extreme emotional disturbance' and plans to argue for a manslaughter charge rather than murder. A special prosecutor and a retired judge are handling the case due to close community ties, and Stines could face the death penalty if convicted. The shooting has shocked the close-knit community, and the legal proceedings continue to unfold.