The sheriff accused of killing a judge in eastern Kentucky has retired.
Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines, according to the Herald-Leader, retired effective Monday.
Stines, 43, of McRoberts, is accused of shooting multiple times and killing 54-year-old 47th District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, of Jackhorn, in the judge’s chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse on the afternoon of September 19. The two men had lunch together only a few hours before the shooting.
Immediately after shooting Mullins, Stines surrendered to deputies. Kentucky State Police charged the former sheriff with first-degree murder.
Attorney General Russell Coleman said his office, in collaboration with the commonwealth’s attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit, will serve as special prosecutors in the case.
The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
Stines was elected sheriff in 2018. Mullins was appointed a district court judge in 2009. Prior to that appointment, Mullins served as an assistant commonwealth attorney for nine-and-a-half years.
Stines is being held in the Leslie County Detention Center.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
