LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WJHL) — The defense team has responded to a state petition filed on Tuesday that aims to move the trial of former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines. Stines faces charges for allegedly killing a judge in his chambers in September 2024.

Stines and his counsel filed a response to the motion, stating their opposition to the change of venue, citing multiple reasons.

“Media Coverage in This Case is an Issue That Will Not Change by Transfer to Any County Within The Commonwealth”

The petition by the Commonwealth argues that an impartial trial is improbable in Eastern Kentucky. The reasoning is based on Letcher County’s small population and the public roles of both the accused and the victim as elected officials.

However, the defense argues that news coverage of the case has gone beyond local media, extending to state outlets and gaining attention from national networks like Court TV, as well as spreading extensively on social media globally.

“Even If This Court Were to Grant Transfer, the Transfer Should Be to An Adjoining County”

The defense argued that if a change of venue is granted, the transfer should be to a nearby county, citing Kentucky law KRS 452.210.

The adjoining county should be convenient to the parties, witnesses and attorneys involved in the trial, the response reads.

The defense further contends that shifting the trial away from Eastern Kentucky would unjustly remove a unique regional demographic from being on the jury, thereby infringing on the constitutional right to a diverse jury pool.

“The Commonwealth is essentially asking to exclude all Eastern Kentuckians from a trial involving one of their own,” stated the defense. “This goes against the core principle that the accused should be judged by a jury of peers.”

“A Hearing on This Issue is Mandatory”

In conclusion, the defense emphasized that according to Kentucky law (KRS 452.220(3)), a public court hearing is necessary if either party requests a venue change.

Stines has been charged with first-degree murder and murder of a public official in the death of District Judge Kevin Mullins. Stines, who retired from the sheriff position in late September after his arrest, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.