Former Letcher County, Kentucky Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines pleaded not guilty this week to the shocking murder of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins.

The case, which has rattled the small community, centers on the September shooting that unfolded inside the very courthouse where both men worked.

As reported by Fox News, Jeremy Bartley, Stines’ attorney, claimed the defense would present a “compelling defense” in court.

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According to Bartley, the timing of Stines’ deposition earlier in September for a separate lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by a deputy under his supervision is “crucial” to the case.

“This is a large story, and in some ways, it’s difficult to tell,” Bartley remarked, hinting at more revelations to come as the legal process unfolds.

The lawsuit in question was filed by two women, one of whom accused Letcher County Deputy Ben Fields of repeatedly sexually assaulting her while she was under house arrest.

Disturbingly, the assaults allegedly took place in Mullins’ chambers, where no security cameras were installed. Fields, who has since been convicted and jailed, was under Stines’ supervision.

The lawsuit accuses Stines of “deliberate indifference” for failing to properly oversee Fields, and his deposition for this case reportedly lasted several hours.

Attorney Ned Pillersdorf, representing one of the plaintiffs, described Stines’ behavior during the deposition as having an “odd demeanor.” Whether this contributed to the subsequent courthouse shooting remains unclear.

Prosecuting Attorney Jackie Steele has not yet determined whether to pursue the death penalty against Stines, though he does not anticipate filing additional charges.

Retired Judge Julia H. Adams, appointed as the special judge for this case, denied Stine’s bond, citing the severity of the capital offense charge.

The motive for the shooting remains murky. Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that Stines and Mullins had even shared a meal earlier that day.

While investigators were analyzing the devices, Stamper noted what he was told shortly before the fatal encounter.

“I was told that the judge made a statement to Mickey about, “Do we need to meet private in my chambers?”

Upon his arrest, Stines reportedly claimed, “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid.” Bartley argued that the incident occurred “in the heat of passion” and contended that at most, Stines should face manslaughter charges.

The shooting has left Letcher County residents reeling. Garnard Kincer Jr., a friend of the slain judge and former mayor of Jenkins, reflected on the community’s grief: “We’re all in a state of shock. It practically immobilized us.”

Stines, who served as a bailiff before he was elected sheriff in 2018, resigned shortly after his arrest following pressure from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. He remains in custody at Leslie County Jail.

With investigations ongoing, questions linger about whether the tumultuous backdrop of legal troubles and strained professional relationships played a role in the tragedy. The people of Letcher County await answers, though the loss of Judge Mullins will forever mark this Appalachian community.

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