Ex-Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting judge pleads not guilty

The former sheriff of Letcher County, Kentucky, pleaded not guilty on one count of murder of a public official during an arraignment Monday.

Mickey Stines, 43, is accused of fatally shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in Mullins’ chambers on Sept. 19.

Honorable Kevin R. Mullins.Letcher County

A grand jury indicted Stines on Thursday on the single count of murder of a public official. Prior to the indictment, Stines pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder.

At Monday's hearing, Judge Julia Adams decided to keep Stines in jail, where he is held without bond because of “community safety concerns, security concerns” and because he is charged with a capital offense.

Mullins was shot multiple times after an argument with Stines, state police have said.

Former Letcher County Ky. Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines looks over at the prosecutors during a hearing at the Morgan County Courthouse in West Liberty, Ky., Oct. 1, 2024.Timothy D. Easley / AP file

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive in the deadly shooting.

Mullins was shot multiple times in his chambers in Whitesburg and died at the scene. The attack was captured on security video, which showed showed Mulins crawling on the floor, scrambling for cover.