Former Sheriff Charged with Judge's Murder in Kentucky

During a preliminary hearing in Morgan County, graphic video footage was shown of former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers on September 19. Stines allegedly opened fire after discovering his daughter's number on Mullins' phone, having called her before the shooting. Testimony revealed that the two were long-time friends and had lunch together earlier that day, but the motive remains unclear. The courtroom was filled with emotion as attendees reacted to the video, which depicted Stines shooting Mullins multiple times as he attempted to shield himself. Stines has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, and the case will proceed to a grand jury for further examination. The shocking incident has raised concerns due to its rarity, as killings of judges by law enforcement officers are exceedingly uncommon.