Kentucky Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines is accused of fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers on September 19, with his defense attorney claiming the act was impulsive and occurred 'in the heat of passion.' Stines' lawyer, Jeremy Bartley, argued that the shooting was not premeditated and that the highest charge should be manslaughter due to extreme emotional disturbance. Video evidence presented during a preliminary hearing showed Stines shooting Mullins multiple times after calling his daughter from both his phone and Mullins'. The defense is seeking to present evidence to a grand jury, which could determine whether to charge Stines with murder or manslaughter. Investigators are looking into a potential motive related to Stines' daughter, following reports of a possible kidnapping threat. Stines has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and resigned as sheriff shortly before the court hearing.