Letcher County sheriff accused of killing district judge could be sentenced to death

WHITESBURG, Ky. ( WJHL ) — The Kentucky sheriff who was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a district judge in his courthouse chambers has pleaded not guilty.

Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines, the sheriff of Letcher County, entered his plea during an arraignment on Wednesday.

He appeared before a judge virtually beside the Leslie County Jailer and public defender Josh Miller.

Stines was assigned a public defender for the time being, despite the judge questioning if he was qualified for one. Miller will represent Stines until permanent representation can fill the role.

According to District Judge Rupert Wilson, Stines has been charged with a class A felony, which could be punishable by 20 to life in prison with the possibility of the death penalty.

He will appear back in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. in Morgan County, Kentucky.

Stines was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after the Sept. 19 shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins inside the Letcher County Courthouse.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) reported that an argument occurred between Stines and Mullins before the shooting. Mullins was reportedly shot several times and died at the scene, officials said.

“We know that it was an argument between the two … but what exactly transpired prior to the shots being fired, that’s still something we’re trying to get answers to,” State Trooper Matt Gayheart said during a previous press conference.

Nearly a week later, residents of Letcher County are still acclimating to the new status of things.

The law enforcement community in Letcher County and Whitesburg has felt the wide-reaching effects of Stines’ arrest and alleged actions. Whitesburg Police Chief Tyrone Fields told Nexstar’s WJHL that it has not been easy in the wake of the shooting.

“You know, everybody’s struggling,” Fields said.

A sign on the Letcher County Sheriff’s Office building says it’s closed until Oct. 1. However, Fields said law enforcement is still answering calls throughout Letcher County. Deputies, KSP troopers and Whitesburg officers are continuing to respond to emergencies and police matters.

“We’re still working 24 hours, and that’s what we’re here to service,” Fields said. “We understand the times are very trying, but we want to let you know that we’re still here, we’re still available and we’re still available to help you.”

Despite his charges and being in jail, Stines remains sheriff of the county. County Attorney Jamie Hatton said that since the sheriff is an elected position, Kentucky law means Stines will still be sheriff unless he resigns or other actions are taken.

“Although he’s charged with this horrible crime, he’s still our sheriff,” Hatton said. “So we’re working on procedures to ascertain to see if he plans to resign that position or retain that position. And based on that decision, we have to determine what is the next step if he doesn’t wish to resign and how do we run our local sheriff’s office.”

In the meantime, Letcher County Deputy Bill Jones has been appointed chief deputy and will act in the sheriff’s place. However, if Stines does not resign, procedures could result in him being removed from office.

That could require Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s involvement, Hatton said.

Beshear also faces the job of filling Mullins’ district judge seat.

According to Hatton, retired judge Eric Hall, who has experience as a trial judge, will start taking cases on Sept. 30 until an appointment for Mullins’ seat is made.

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“There is a judicial nominating commission or committee that tenders three names to the governor, and he’ll select one name from that list and that will be our district judge until the next election, which I believe will be in 2026,” Hatton said.

State police have said there were multiple witnesses to interview as the investigation into the shooting continues.

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