### Kentucky Judge Shooting: Video Evidence Prompts Case Advancements Against Former Sheriff

Prosecutors released a compelling video on Tuesday, showcasing the shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, an incident that has deeply shocked the small Appalachian community of Whitesburg, Kentucky. The courtroom drama unfolded as 43-year-old former sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines is accused of committing the crime on September 19. The video evidence was presented to convince the court to advance the case.

The shocking footage captures a man identified by prosecutors as Stines entering the judge's chambers and immediately firing at Mullins, who then collapses from his chair. The shooter proceeds to circle the desk, leans over to continue firing at the fallen judge, and briefly exits before re-entering to aim one last shot. The video then abruptly ends. Neither defense nor prosecution attorneys were available for comment on Wednesday.

The relationship between Mullins, 54, and Stines spans years. Before Stines was elected sheriff in 2018, he worked as a courtroom bailiff under Mullins in Letcher County. Despite the long history between the two, the exact motive for the deadly act remains unexplained.

Details of their interactions leading up to the shooting were highlighted during the hearing. According to Kentucky State Police detective Clayton Stamper, Mullins and Stines had lunch together, along with several others, at a nearby restaurant before the tragic event. Stamper mentioned that Mullins allegedly asked Stines, "Do we need to meet in private in my chambers?" This question came shortly before the fatal confrontation.

Complicating the narrative is Stines's involvement in a 2022 federal lawsuit. The suit accuses a former deputy of coercing women into sexual acts in Mullins's chambers when they couldn't afford fees for ankle monitors required for home confinement. Stines is accused of failing to adequately train or supervise the deputy, who pleaded guilty and served six months in jail. The deputy was released on probation last year.

With the video evidence tipping the scales, Chief Regional District Judge Rupert Wilhoit ruled there is enough probable cause to proceed. The case will now be considered by a grand jury to potentially indict Stines. As of last week, Stines pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge and stepped down as sheriff on Monday.

If convicted, Stines faces a prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life. Due to the nature of the crime, which involves the killing of a public official, the death penalty remains an option. Defense attorneys argued that the crime should be considered for a manslaughter charge, citing Stines's "extreme emotional disturbance." This distinction would eliminate the death penalty consideration. However, the judge decided to move forward with the murder charge.