Sheriff from Kentucky pleads not guilty to charges in fatal shooting of judge

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers during an argument. Stines, held in Leslie County jail, appeared in court virtually and was appointed a temporary public defender. A motive for the shooting remains unclear. Mullins, 54, died at the scene after being shot multiple times. The small community was shocked by the tragedy, with Commonwealth Attorney Matt Butler, Mullins’ brother-in-law, calling it unspeakable. Butler recused himself from the case due to his personal relationship with the judge. The case will now be handled by the Kentucky Attorney General and the commonwealth’s attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit. The judge’s mother, Patsy Holbrook Mullins, expressed appreciation for the community’s support. Stines is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 1. The shooting has left the community devastated and mourning the loss of Judge Mullins, who was well-liked and respected.

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