Final Fateful Meeting Of Sheriff And Judge Caught On Camera

Surveillance footage reveals the chilling final moments between former Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines and Judge Kevin Mullins before a seemingly premeditated killing that shocked a Kentucky courthouse.

Key Insights

Former Kentucky Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines allegedly shot and killed Judge Kevin Mullins after clearing the judge’s chambers and securing the door.
The two men had lunch together with colleagues hours before the September 19 shooting, suggesting no obvious signs of hostility.
A body language expert noted Stines appeared “ready” and contemplative while Mullins seemed unaware of any imminent threat.
Stines’ defense is pursuing an insanity claim, suggesting he was under extreme stress from a courthouse lawsuit that named both men.
Both men were reportedly connected to a civil lawsuit involving allegations of sexual assault by a former deputy that allegedly occurred in the courthouse.

The Fatal Encounter

Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the alleged murder of former Kentucky Judge Kevin Mullins by former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines on September 19, 2024. The video shows Stines entering Mullins’ chambers, clearing the room, and engaging in a private conversation with the judge. According to investigators, Stines allegedly locked the door, examined Mullins’ phone, attempted an unanswered call, and then shot Mullins at point-blank range. The footage has become crucial evidence in the first-degree murder case against Stines.

Body language expert Susan Constantine analyzed the surveillance video and identified telling behavior patterns between the two men before the shooting. Stines exhibited signs of premeditation and restlessness, while Mullins appeared relaxed and unaware of any threat. The exchange of cell phones between the men has drawn particular scrutiny from investigators attempting to understand the motivation behind the killing.

Constantine said, “When I’m seeing the sheriff, it’s interesting to watch him because he was ready to go the minute he walked in. He was contemplating it, he was shuffling his feet, [and] had his hands in his pockets.”

Complex Relationship and Potential Motive

Reports indicate Stines and Mullins had known each other for years and maintained a professional relationship in Letcher County’s legal system. On the day of the shooting, they had lunch together with friends and coworkers, showing no obvious signs of conflict. This cordial interaction makes the subsequent violence even more perplexing to the community. Defense attorneys for Stines have begun outlining their strategy, which focuses on his psychological state at the time of the incident rather than denying his actions.

Jeremy Bartley, Stines’ attorney, claims his client was experiencing paranoia and sleeplessness due to a civil lawsuit that named both Stines and Mullins as defendants. This lawsuit, filed by Sabrina Adkins, accused former Deputy Ben Fields of sexual assault and claimed these assaults occurred in Mullins’ chambers. Stines had been deposed in this lawsuit just three days before the shooting, reportedly feeling pressured about what information to reveal during proceedings.

The Courthouse Scandal Connection

The backdrop to this courthouse killing involves a troubling investigation into former Letcher County sheriff’s deputy Ben Fields. Fields pleaded guilty to multiple charges including third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy, tampering with a prisoner’s monitoring device, and second-degree perjury. The investigation began after allegations emerged that Fields had exchanged favorable treatment for sexual favors while serving as a home incarceration officer.

In a 2022 interview with investigators from the state attorney general’s office, a woman claimed to have seen a video of Judge Mullins engaged in sexual activity in his chambers. It’s important to note that Mullins was never formally accused or charged with any related allegations. Following the lawsuit against Fields, 18 additional cameras were installed at the Letcher County Courthouse at the request of judges, the circuit court clerk, and then-sheriff Stines. Ironically, there were no cameras in Judge Mullins’ chambers prior to the incident that claimed his life.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy

Stines now faces charges of first-degree murder of a public official, a particularly serious offense given Mullins’ position as a judge. His defense team has signaled they intend to pursue an insanity defense, arguing that Stines lacked the capacity to form premeditated intent due to the extreme stress and paranoia he was experiencing. The prosecution will likely emphasize the surveillance evidence showing Stines’ deliberate actions in securing the room before the shooting and the apparent calm manner in which he entered the chambers.

The case has sent shockwaves through Kentucky’s legal community, raising questions about courthouse security protocols and the internal dynamics of small-town justice systems. The Administrative Office of the Courts noted that following this incident, additional security measures have been implemented in courthouses throughout the state. The tragedy also highlights the intense pressures that can build within local legal systems when allegations of misconduct emerge.