Sheriff Charged with Judge's Murder

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines has been charged with first-degree murder following the alleged shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins on September 19, 2024, in Mullins' courthouse chambers. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has formally requested Stines' resignation, threatening removal if Stines does not step down voluntarily. Despite being held in the Leslie County Detention Center, Stines remains the sheriff, creating complications for local law enforcement and judicial operations, which have been disrupted. Stines pleaded not guilty during his arraignment held over Zoom in Carter County, and a public defender has been appointed. The community and law enforcement in Letcher County are grappling with the aftermath, and interim measures are being considered to maintain order and services. Further court proceedings are scheduled for October 1, as investigations continue into what led to the fatal argument.