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Sheriff Admits Murder, Claims Insanity Defense
10 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Ex-sheriff admits shooting judge, claims lack of intent.
- Defense cites stress and 'paranoid, psychotic conduct'.
- Mental health defense could spare ex-sheriff death penalty.
Ex-Letcher County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines has admitted to fatally shooting District Court Judge Kevin Mullins in September 2024. However, Stines has pleaded not guilty, with his legal team arguing he lacked the capacity to intend the killing and was exhibiting paranoid conduct. This defense hinges on his state of mind during the incident.
The former sheriff's lawyers are exploring defenses such as lack of control and pre-existing conditions, which could lead to an insanity plea. This approach aims to avoid the death penalty. The revelation comes as the judge's widow pursues a civil suit against Stines and other sheriff's office employees.
Stines' legal team has also attempted to dismiss civil claims based on sovereign immunity. Key to the insanity claims is a federal investigation into Stines' conduct prior to the shooting, which may have contributed to his alleged mental distress.
