Sheriff from Kentucky pleads not guilty in shooting death of judge

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers following an argument. Stines, held in the Leslie County jail, appeared virtually for his arraignment and was appointed a public defender, with a preliminary hearing set for October 1. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but initial reports suggest Stines shot Mullins multiple times. The small community was shocked by the tragedy, with Commonwealth Attorney Matt Butler, who is also Mullins’ brother-in-law, describing it as unspeakable. The judge’s mother, Patsy Holbrook Mullins, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support following his funeral. Due to personal connections to the judge, Butler recused himself and his office from the case, which will be handled by the Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman and the commonwealth’s attorney Jackie Steele. The shooting has left the community devastated, with many remembering Mullins for his humor and wit outside of court. Stines surrendered to authorities after the shooting at the Letcher County courthouse, with a preliminary hearing to follow as the investigation continues.

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