Shawn Stines Indicted for Murder of Public Official in Judge Mullins’ Death

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman and Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, Jackie Steele, announced that former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines has been indicted for the murder of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins. Stines, 43, was indicted by the Letcher County Grand Jury on one count of Murder of a Public Official.

The indictment stems from a fatal shooting on September 19, 2024, when Stines allegedly shot and killed Judge Mullins following an argument inside the courthouse. According to Kentucky State Police, Stines entered the judge’s outer office, told others he needed to speak with Mullins alone, and then entered the inner office with the judge. After a brief argument, shots were heard, and Stines walked out with his hands raised, surrendering to authorities without resistance.

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While specific details of the argument remain undisclosed, reports suggest that Stines had recently given testimony in a deposition related to a case involving accusations that he failed to properly supervise a deputy accused of coercing a woman into sex in Mullins’ office. The case had been before Judge Mullins, who had been serving as the Letcher County District Court Judge since 2010.

The grand jury indictment was presented by Commonwealth’s Attorney Steele and Ramsey Dallam, Deputy Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit. When asked about pursuing the death penalty, Steele said that decisions regarding the death penalty would be made after a thorough review of the evidence.

Stines’ arraignment is set for noon on Monday.

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