Lawsuit alleges sex abuse scandals at Kentucky courthouse where sheriff reportedly killed judge

In September 2024, authorities reported that former Letcher County, Kentucky Sheriff, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, unexpectedly shot District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers, despite having known him for decades.

The incident, captured by surveillance cameras, sent shockwaves through the small town of Whitesburg in eastern Kentucky and has since drawn significant interest from the true crime community.

According to Stines’ lawyer, the situation leading to the shooting originated years earlier with a civil lawsuit against a former deputy of the Letcher County Sheriff’s office, accused of raping a female defendant who was out on bail.

That lawsuit also named Stines as a defendant. 

District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was killed by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Stines, 43, in his judge’s chambers, authorities said. (Kentucky Court of Justice Letcher County Sheriff’s Office)

In November, a grand jury indicted Stines. The one-sentence indictment charges Stines with murder. 

“On or about the 19th of September, 2024, in Letcher County, Kentucky, the above named defendant committed the offense of murder when he unlawfully shot Letcher County District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, thereby causing his death; against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” according to the indictment. 

Since the indictment: 

Since Stines was indicted, Bartley, his defense attorney, has made several motions on his behalf. 

Most notably, Bartley filed a motion telling the court he is planning an insanity defense, and that he “intends to present a defense of insanity, as well as a defense of extreme emotional disturbance.”

Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley asked questions of KSP Detective Clayton Stamper at Shawn “Mickey” Stines preliminary hearing at Morgan County District Court. Oct. 1, 2024 (Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The filing says that he also “intends to present expert evidence relating to a mental disease or defect or mental condition bearing on the issue of guilt and punishment.”

Prosecuting attorney Jackie Steele did not return a comment request.