LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The former Eastern Kentucky sheriff accused of murdering a judge was back in court Friday as attorneys continued to discuss his mental health in connection to the case.
Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines is accused of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins in September 2024 at the courthouse in Whitesburg. Security camera footage from Mullins' chambers showed a man police identified as Stines pointing a gun and firing at Mullins.
Mullins died at the scene and Stines, who was sheriff at the time, surrendered without incident.
Stines has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder of a public official.
Friday's hearing focused largely on Stines' mental state before and after the shooting, an issue that has become central to the defense's case. His attorneys have previously argued that Stines suffered from "extreme emotional disturbance" and have signaled they may pursue an insanity defense.
Stines' aunt, Sherri Stines, testified about his behavior the night before the shooting, telling the court he spent the night at her home because he had not been sleeping.
"Was his behavior that night consistent with his normal behavior?" an attorney asked.
"No. No. He acted different," Sherri Stines testified. "I've never seen Mickey act like that."
When asked to describe his behavior in one word, she responded: "Psychotic."
Prosecutors on Friday also requested a second mental health evaluation by a private expert, while attorneys argued several additional motions before the court.
Authorities have never publicly identified a motive for the shooting, which stunned the eastern Kentucky community of Whitesburg. Stines and Mullins had known each other for years and had lunch together on the day of the shooting, according to previous court testimony.
Stines could potentially face the death penalty if convicted, but prosecutors haven’t yet filed notice with the court on whether they will seek the death penalty.
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