Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges after shooting Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers following an argument. Stines appeared virtually in court and was appointed a temporary public defender. The motive for the shooting remains unclear. Three days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in connection with a lawsuit involving a deputy accused of sexually abusing a woman in Mullins’ chambers. The lawsuit alleged that Stines failed to supervise the deputy, turning the courthouse into a “brothel.” Stines’ lawyer argued that he was immune from being sued due to his position.
Judge Mullins was not accused of wrongdoing in the lawsuit. The community was shocked by the shooting, with the commonwealth’s attorney calling it an “unspeakable tragedy.” The case will be handled by the Kentucky Attorney General and the commonwealth’s attorney due to personal relationships between the judge and the current prosecutor. The community has shown significant support for Judge Mullins and his family following the tragedy. Cameras were installed in the chambers and courtroom after the shooting, although it is unclear if this was in response to the lawsuit. The Kentucky State Police have not commented on whether they are investigating a connection between the lawsuit and the shooting.
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