By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-01-04 22:35:02 | Updated at 2025-01-06 20:01:50
1 day ago
Newly released bodycam footage has revealed the chilling aftermath of a Kentucky judge being shot in his courthouse.
Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, 44, is accused of shooting Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in his chambers on September 19.
The bodycam videos from the day of the shooting showed officers racing toward the Letcher County Courthouse as the scene quickly became a hub of police activity.
Patrol cars swarmed the area, their lights flashing while sirens echoed down the streets of Whitesburg.
Officers surrounded the building, and yellow caution tape was meticulously wrapped around the courthouse perimeter to secure the scene.
The 911 call that prompted emergency services to rush to the scene.
'I've got an emergency at the courthouse,' the caller said. 'I need an ambulance here right now.
When the dispatcher inquired about the situation, the caller responded, 'Judge has been shot.'
Newly released bodycam footage has revealed the chilling aftermath of a Kentucky judge being shot in his courthouse
Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, 43, is accused of gunning down Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in his chambers on September 19
Nearby streets were cordoned off as officers set up orange traffic cones to redirect vehicles and pedestrians, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Inside the courthouse, chaos unfolded as first responders attempted to assist Judge Mullins. Despite their efforts, Mullins, who had served as a judge for 15 years, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stines allegedly entered the courthouse and told others he needed to speak with Judge Mullins alone.
Once they were inside the chambers, an argument ensued, during which Stines shot Mullins several times before surrendering to law enforcement, according to authorities.
He has pleaded not guilty to murder and is being held in a different Kentucky county jail.
Stines stepped down as sheriff shortly after the incident, and Billy Jones was sworn in as his replacement on October 1.
Just days prior to the shooting, Stines had been deposed in a separate federal lawsuit filed by Sabrina Adkins.
She accused Judge Mullins of inappropriate behavior, claiming she had witnessed him engaging in sexual acts with women in exchange for special treatment.
Stiles has admitted to the shooting but pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing 'it was something that occurred in the heat of passion'
This lawsuit, filed in January 2022, claimed Mullins was involved in a sex-for-favors scheme within his chambers.
Adkins also alleged that former deputy Ben Fields was involved, having filmed illicit encounters, some of which reportedly involved Mullins.
Stines, a close friend of Mullins for roughly 30 years, was mentioned in the legal proceedings just three days before the shooting.
Stines' defense attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has referenced this case as a potential factor in Stines' actions. Bartley stated, 'I think the deposition has several important roles in this case... it's going to be a large portion of the story we tell.'
The shooting has shocked the local community, as Stines and Mullins had shared a personal and professional bond for years.
In fact, just hours before the shooting, the two were seen dining together at a local restaurant, Streetside Grill & Bar, a regular lunch spot for both.
Stines allegedly entered the courthouse and told others he needed to speak with Judge Mullins alone. Once they were inside the chambers, an argument ensued, during which Stines shot Mullins several times before surrendering to law enforcement, according to authorities.
They had ordered their usual meal — wings with a salad.
His legal team is working on a defense strategy that includes referencing the ongoing federal lawsuit involving Mullins and Fields.
