Who is Shawn 'Mickey' Stines and what is he accused of?

Shawn 'Mickey' Stines is the former Letcher County Sheriff accused of murdering District Court Judge Kevin Mullins.

What defense is Shawn Stines' legal team using?

His legal team is arguing he lacked the capacity to intend the killing, possibly leading to an insanity plea based on his mental state.

What is the status of the civil suit filed by Judge Mullins' widow?

The widow has filed a civil suit seeking damages against Stines and other sheriff's office employees for the judge's death.

Home / Crime and Justice / Sheriff Admits Murder, Claims Insanity Defense

Sheriff Admits Murder, Claims Insanity Defense

10 Dec

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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.

Sheriff Admits Murder, Claims Insanity Defense

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.