CARTER COUNTY, KY — A Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting a district judge in his courthouse chambers pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder during a court hearing Wednesday.
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, the sheriff of Letcher County, remains in custody without bond following the shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, on September 19.
According to reports, during the hearing, no evidence was presented regarding a potential motive, and Stines did not comment on the charges.
The public defender representing Stines said that the sheriff is likely to lose his position and income due to the charges. A preliminary hearing to present evidence is set for October 1, with the case being handled in Morgan County, far from the courthouse where the crime took place.
Details about what happened in the judge’s chambers remain under investigation.
According to authorities, no one else was inside when the shooting occurred. Kentucky State Police confirmed that security cameras were present in the building, and all witnesses will be interviewed as part of the investigation.
Mullins, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds, was pronounced dead at the scene. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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