Sheriff’s Daughter Says She Never Knew Slain Judge — Earlier, Police Noted Her Number in His Phone

Kentucky Sheriff’s Daughter Denies Relationship with Slain Judge

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines has been charged with the murder of 54-year-old District Judge Kevin Mullins in 2024. The incident, which was captured on video, showed Stines firing multiple shots at Mullins while the judge was seated at his desk. After Mullins fell to the floor, Stines continued firing. Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified to a grand jury about rumours circulating in the community regarding Mullins and Stines’ teenage daughter.

According to grand jury transcripts, Stines’ daughter refuted any claims of having a relationship with Mullins, stating that there was no contact through social media, text messages, phone calls, or in person. Stamper reiterated that the daughter denied all allegations, dismissing them as mere rumours. Furthermore, investigators found no evidence of prior phone calls between Mullins and Stines’ daughter. Rumours also circulated about Stines’ wife having a relationship with Mullins, which she denied as well.

During the grand jury testimony, it was revealed that Stines had used Mullins’ phone to call his own daughter before the shooting. Despite this, there was no direct contact between Mullins and Stines’ daughter. The defence, aiming to dismiss the indictment, presented a portion of the grand jury testimony in support of an insanity defence. Stines’ attorneys plan to argue that their client was suffering from impaired mental health at the time of the incident.

After the shooting, Stines initially left the courthouse but later returned to surrender to law enforcement. Testimony from Stamper indicated that Stines admitted to the crime upon surrendering, claiming, “there’s nobody else, it was me.” He then placed his weapon on a nearby table and was taken into custody. Stines’ attorneys acknowledge that he was the one who pulled the trigger and will be pursuing a defence strategy focused on insanity and extreme emotional disturbance.

This case has deeply impacted the tight-knit community of Letcher County, where Stines and Mullins were not only colleagues but also long-time friends. Stines previously served as the bailiff in Mullins’ court before assuming the role of sheriff in 2018. The details surrounding this tragic event continue to unfold, leaving the community grappling with shock and disbelief.

As the legal proceedings progress, the implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, highlighting broader concerns about mental health and the intricate dynamics of small communities. The tragic loss of Judge Mullins has sparked conversations about the complexities of human behaviour and the profound effects of such incidents on local communities. The pursuit of justice in this case serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability within law enforcement and judicial systems.

In conclusion, the unfolding events surrounding the murder of Judge Mullins serve as a sombre reflection on the fragility of human relationships and the complexities of the human mind. As legal proceedings continue, the community remains united in seeking answers and closure in the wake of this devastating tragedy.