The general counsel for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, S. Travis Mayo, has ordered Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines to resign by the end of the week or face removal proceedings. Stines is accused of gunning down District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers, to which he has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder. Stines has 20 days to prepare a defense according to state law.
Three days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in connection with a federal lawsuit alleging a deputy abused a woman inside Mullins’ chambers, to which Stines argued he was protected from being sued due to his position as an elected official and law enforcement officer. The motive for the shooting has not been disclosed, but state police have not ruled out a potential link between the lawsuit and the shooting.
Stines’ lawyer in the federal case, Jonathan Shaw, stated he did not know anything about the shooting beyond what has been reported. The Letcher County Sheriff’s Office and Letcher County Judge/Executive have not responded to requests for comment. The Kentucky State Police spokesman, Matt Gayheart, confirmed that no possible motive is being ruled out at this point.
The shooting at the Letcher County courthouse followed an argument inside the building, leading to Mullins being shot multiple times. Stines surrendered to authorities at the courthouse after the incident. The lawyer representing Stines in the civil case regarding the deputy’s alleged abuse did not respond to requests for comment.
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