– A former eastern Kentucky sheriff was back in court on Friday with questions about his mental health, bond, and where he’ll eventually stand trial.
Shawn “Mickey” Stines is accused of shooting and killing district judge Kevin Mullins inside his chambers at the Letcher County courthouse back in 2024.
At the hearing on Friday, prosecutors requested a second mental health evaluation with a private expert. The defense objected, saying that a second evaluation is not necessary. The judge said that he wanted to review the request and will issue an order shortly.
Stines’ aunt, Sherri Stines, took the stand. she testified about the night mickey stayed at her house on September 18, the day before the judge was killed and described him as “fidgety” and “paranoid.”
The defense asked for a $50,000 bond, but the judge said that amount is “not entertainable” and any bond would be much higher.
Both sides also argued over a change of venue, the judge said he’ll be hard‑pressed not to move the trial out of Letcher County because of heavy publicity and will issue a written ruling later.
