Mystery Intensifies Around Sheriff And Judge’s Heated Encounter Before Tragedy

Surveillance footage reveals a chilling final encounter between former Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines and Judge Kevin Mullins, with body language experts noting stark differences in their demeanor before Stines allegedly drew a concealed weapon and shot the unsuspecting judge at point-blank range.

Quick Takes

Surveillance video captured the moments leading up to Judge Kevin Mullins’ murder, allegedly at the hands of former Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines with whom he had lunch earlier that day.
Body language expert Susan Constantine observed Stines appeared “ready” and contemplative while Mullins seemed unaware of any threat.
Stines allegedly locked the chambers door, exchanged phones with Mullins, and shot him at close range.
The defense claims Stines was paranoid and sleepless due to pressure from a civil lawsuit involving sexual assault allegations against a former deputy.
The courthouse had recently installed additional security cameras following a lawsuit, but none were in Judge Mullins’ chambers prior to the incident.

Final Moments Captured on Camera

Recently released surveillance footage has provided crucial insight into the final moments before former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines allegedly murdered Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers. The two men, who had known each other for years, had lunch together with friends and coworkers on the day of the shooting. Later, video shows Stines entering Mullins’ chambers, clearing the room, and engaging in a private conversation with the judge that would ultimately end in tragedy.

Body language expert Susan Constantine analyzed the surveillance footage, noting the stark contrast between the two men’s demeanors during their final interaction. “When I’m seeing the sheriff, it’s interesting to watch him because he was ready to go the minute he walked in. He was contemplating it, he was shuffling his feet, [and] had his hands in his pockets,” Constantine observed.

Contrasting Demeanors Before the Shooting

The footage shows a particularly tense moment when Stines handed Mullins a phone, which has become a focal point in understanding the sequence of events. According to reports, after this exchange, Stines allegedly locked the door, looked through Mullins’ phone, attempted to make an unanswered call, and then drew a concealed weapon. Constantine noted that throughout the interaction, Judge Mullins appeared remarkably calm and unaware of any potential threat.

“[Stines] sits down, wants to have a conversation with the judge. The judge is very nonchalant, very carefree. Doesn’t seem to be rattled by a lot. Seems to be very, what I would say is just unremarkable,” Constantine said.

In the moments before the shooting, Constantine described how the judge appeared confused by Stines’ actions: “The judge is kind of going, ‘what are you doing?’ Put the gun down. Just kind of using his hand gestures, kind of flinging him out, like, ‘what are you doing?’ This doesn’t make any sense.”

Potential Motive and Legal Defense

Stines’ attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has indicated they plan to pursue an insanity defense, claiming that Stines was suffering from paranoia and sleep deprivation in the days leading up to the shooting. These symptoms allegedly stemmed from pressure related to a civil lawsuit involving former Deputy Ben Fields, which named Stines as a defendant. The lawsuit, filed by Sabrina Adkins, accused Fields of sexual assault and claimed some assaults occurred in Mullins’ chambers.

Stines had been deposed in this lawsuit just three days before the shooting and reportedly felt under significant pressure not to reveal certain information during those proceedings. The case has drawn connections to a 2022 investigation in which a woman claimed to have seen a video of Mullins having inappropriate conduct in his chambers, though Mullins was never accused or charged with any related allegations.

Security Measures and Aftermath

Following the earlier lawsuit against Fields, 18 additional security cameras were installed at the Letcher County Courthouse at the request of judges, the circuit court clerk, and ironically, Sheriff Stines himself. According to the Administrative Office of the Courts, “These cameras were placed in various locations in the building, including the office areas of the circuit and district judges and the Office of Circuit Court Clerk.”

However, it was also noted that “There were cameras in the courthouse previously, but not in Judge Mullins’ chambers. The officials were involved in choosing camera placement and were provided monitors to view the camera coverage in their offices.” This explains why surveillance footage was available of the hallway and entrance to the chambers but not of the actual shooting.

Stines has been charged with first-degree murder of a public official, a charge that carries severe penalties in Kentucky. The case continues to shock the small Letcher County community, where both men were well-known public figures who had worked together in the justice system for many years.