Letcher County Sheriff charged with killing judge pleads "not guilty" in arraignment

The Letcher County sheriff charged with killing a local judge had his first day in court Wednesday.

Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines was arraigned in Letcher County District Court via Zoom.

He is charged with first degree murder in the death of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins. Mullins was shot multiple times in his chambers last week.

The proceeding was overseen by Judge Rupert Wilhoit of Carter County.

Public Defender Josh Miller spoke on behalf of Stines when asked for a plea.

“Does he want to enter a plea at this time?” Wilhoit asked.

“Your Honor, he would enter a plea of “not guilty” and request a date for preliminary hearing,” Miller replied.

Wilhoit appointed a public defender to represent Stines, but said that could change as the case progresses.

“If and when this case does proceed to Circuit Court, the Circuit Court may require you to hire your own counsel,” Wilhoit said.

The preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday at 1pm at the Morgan County Judicial Center in West Liberty.

Stines is being held in the Leslie County Detention Center. He is still, currently, the Letcher County Sheriff.

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