Kentucky Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines pleaded not guilty to murder following the shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins in the courthouse on September 19. An argument preceded the shooting, which occurred in Mullins' chambers, resulting in his death at the scene. During a virtual arraignment, Chief Regional Judge Rupert Wilhoit questioned Stines' eligibility for a public defender due to his annual salary of $115,000, yet appointed the public defender's office to assist him for the preliminary hearing scheduled for October 1. The incident has left the small community in shock, with friends and colleagues mourning the loss of both men, who were known to collaborate on programs for inmates. The courthouse is closed for the remainder of the month, affecting all ongoing cases. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing, with the community seeking answers to this tragedy.