Former top public defender explains how Letcher sheriff murder case will proceed

The pre-trial hearing for Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines is next Tuesday in Morgan County. Stines is accused of murdering Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins last week in Mullins’ chambers. Ed Monahan, the former longtime head of the Kentucky Department for Public Advocacy, explained what will happen Tuesday.

“Preliminary hearing is a short hearing before the district court judge to determine whether there's probable cause to continue to hold the defendant until the grand jury can meet.”

Monahan said the grand jury would hear from the prosecution – and possibly the defense, if the grand jury allows.

“The prosecutor presents evidence to the grand jury, and then it's up to the grand jury to decide whether it's a murder case or a manslaughter case or reckless homicide case.”

Monahan said if Stines is found guilty, the sentencing hearing could feature the prosecutor presenting aggravating evidence to make the case capital, with the defense offering mitigating evidence. However, he said much remains unknown about the case, and people shouldn’t arrive at conclusions before hearing the full story.

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