Kentucky Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty to Murder in Court Hearing
Clad in a drab gray jail uniform, Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, displayed no emotion at his first court hearing Wednesday since being accused of walking into a judge’s chambers and fatally shooting him — a tragedy that shocked and saddened their tight-knit Appalachian county.
Charges and Sentence
Stines pleaded not guilty to murder and answered questions about his personal finances as a judge pondered whether he needed a public defender to represent him.
Murder Charge and Sentence
If convicted, Stines could serve from 20 years to life in prison. Since he’s accused of killing a public official, the sheriff also could potentially face the death penalty.
Investigation and Possible Motive
The preliminary investigation indicates Stines shot Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times on Sept. 19 following an argument in the courthouse, according to Kentucky State Police. Mullins, 54, who held the judgeship since 2009, died at the scene, and Stines, 43, surrendered minutes later without incident. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder.
Police have not offered any details about a possible motive.
Court Hearing and Proceedings
The special judge, Carter County District Judge H. Rupert Wilhoit III, conducted the hearing from his courtroom in northeastern Kentucky. There was no discussion of a bond during the hearing.
Stines stood alongside a jailer and a public defender, who entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Stines’ expression didn’t seem to change as he answered questions from the judge.
Public Defender and Attorney Fees
Josh Miller, the public defender who appeared alongside Stines, said the sheriff could incur significant costs defending himself and will soon lose his job as sheriff, which Stines said pays about $115,000 annually.
Miller said the cost of defending Stines could ultimately cost several hundred thousand dollars.
Reaction and Future Proceedings
In a letter sent to Stines at his lock up, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear wants to hasten the sheriff’s resignation.
The special prosecutor, Jackie Steele, said any decisions regarding the death penalty will be done at a later date when all the evidence has been processed and the case has had a thorough evaluation.
Next Hearing and Trial
Wilhoit appointed Miller to defend Stines at the next hearing in October but warned Stines that the trial court could require him to pay for his own attorney.
Conclusion
The hearing marked the first time Stines was seen in public since the shooting, which sent shockwaves through the small town of Whitesburg near the Virginia border.
FAQs
What is the possible sentence for Sheriff Stines if convicted?
Stines could serve from 20 years to life in prison, or potentially face the death penalty.
What was the possible motive behind the shooting?
Police have not offered any details about a possible motive.
Has the governor called for Sheriff Stines’ resignation?
Yes, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear wants to hasten the sheriff’s resignation.
When is the next hearing in the case?
The next hearing is scheduled for October.
