WHITESBURG, Ky. (WXKQ) – Attorneys for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines say their client was not acting like himself when he allegedly shot and killed Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins in September 2024.
Stines is charged with murder, but defense attorneys Jeremy and Kerri Bartley argue his mental state at the time could support a lesser charge.
During a recent court hearing, Stines’ aunt testified that he had not slept for a week and appeared paranoid in the days leading up to the shooting.
A judge is expected to rule on a bond request for Stines in the coming days.