Letcher County sheriff accused of shooting judge retires

WHITESBURG, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines has announced his “retirement,” according to a letter from his attorney.

The letter, from The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley, said that Stines made the “difficult decision to effect his retirement” on Monday ahead of the ongoing legal process.

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Stines was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of District Judge Kevin Mullins in his courthouse chambers on Sept. 19. In his arraignment, Stines pleaded not guilty.

His retirement comes after pressure to resign from Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky General Counsel S. Travis Mayo. A letter to Stines from the governor stated that if he did not take action, he would be removed from the position.

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The law office’s letter also thanked the community and Stines’s staff for their “love” and “support.”

He served as the Letcher County sheriff for 22 years.

The full letter can be read below:

Sheriff Shawn ‘Mickey’ Stines has proudly served the people of Letcher County for over 22 years. He expresses his heartfelt appreciation and love for the support this community has given him and his family during his time in service.

Mr. Stines has made the difficult decision to effect his retirement as of September 30, 2024. This decision is made, not as a result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Rather, Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him.

Mr. Stines thanks every member of his staff, past and present, as well as those who have worked with him over the years. He asks for your thoughts and prayers of support for him and his family; and asks that their privacy be respected during the judicial process.

The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley

Stines is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

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