LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Former Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines will remain behind bars while he awaits trial in the killing of District Judge Kevin Mullins after a judge denied his request for bond.
In a new order, the judge said there is "strong evidence of guilt" and ruled Stines should not be released.
The ruling comes as the case faces another major change. The trial will be moved out of Letcher County.
The judge pointed to concerns about community bias and the amount of publicity surrounding the case. The prosecution and defense have two weeks to recommend a new location.
Stines is accused of shooting Mullins inside his chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg on Sept. 19, 2024. Security camera footage captured the shooting.
Mullins died at the scene. Stines, who was sheriff at the time, surrendered to police and was later charged with murder of a public official. He has pleaded not guilty.
The case has also focused heavily on Stines' mental health. His attorneys have argued that he experienced an "extreme emotional disturbance" before the shooting and have indicated they could pursue an insanity defense.
A doctor for the prosecution is expected to conduct a mental evaluation of Stines as the case moves forward.
Stines could face the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek it, and discussions about excluding the death penalty are on hold.
A trial date has not been set.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
