Chilling bodycam footage shows the chaotic courthouse scene after Kentucky judge was shot dead by sheriff best friend
Newly released bodycam footage has revealed the chilling aftermath of a Kentucky judge being shot in his courthouse.
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 44, is accused of fatally shooting Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in his chambers on September 19.
Bodycam videos from the day of the shooting showed officers running toward the Letcher County Courthouse as the scene quickly became a hub of police activity.
Patrol cars swarmed the area, their lights flashing as sirens blared through the streets of Whitesburg.
Officers surrounded the building and yellow caution tape was carefully wrapped around the perimeter of the courthouse to secure the scene.
The 911 call prompted emergency services to arrive on the scene.
“I have an emergency at the courthouse,” the caller said. ‘I need an ambulance here now.
When dispatch inquired about the situation, the caller responded, “Judge has been shot.”
Newly released bodycam footage has revealed the chilling aftermath of a Kentucky judge being shot in his courthouse
Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, is accused of fatally shooting Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in his chambers on September 19
Nearby streets were cordoned off while officers set up orange traffic cones to divert vehicles and pedestrians, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Chaos ensued inside the courthouse as first responders attempted to assist Judge Mullins. Despite their efforts, Mullins, who had served as a judge for fifteen years, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stines reportedly entered the courthouse and told others he needed to speak to Judge Mullins alone.
Once they were in the rooms, an argument ensued, during which Stines shot Mullins several times before surrendering to police, authorities said.
He has pleaded not guilty to murder and is being held at another Kentucky county jail.
Stines resigned as sheriff shortly after the incident and Billy Jones was sworn in as his replacement on October 1.
Just days prior to the shooting, Stines had been deposed in a separate federal lawsuit filed by Sabrina Adkins.
She accused Judge Mullins of inappropriate behavior and claimed she witnessed sexual acts with women in exchange for special treatment.
Stiles has admitted to the shooting but has pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing ‘it was something that happened in the heat of passion’
This lawsuit, filed in January 2022, alleged that Mullins was involved in a sex-for-favors scheme within his chambers.
Adkins also alleged that former deputy Ben Fields was involved after filming illegal encounters allegedly involving Mullins.
Stines, a close friend of Mullins for about 30 years, was named in the legal proceedings just three days before the shooting.
Stines’ attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has cited this case as a potential factor in Stines’ actions. Bartley said: “I think the deposition plays several important roles in this case… it will be a big part of the story we tell.”
The shooting has shocked the local community, as Stines and Mullins had a personal and professional relationship for years.
Just hours before the shooting, the two were even seen dining together at a local restaurant, Streetside Grill & Bar, a regular lunch spot for both.
Stines reportedly entered the courthouse and told others he needed to speak to Judge Mullins alone. Once they were in the rooms, an argument ensued, during which Stines shot Mullins several times before surrendering to police, authorities said.
They had ordered their usual meal: wings and salad.
His legal team is working on a defense strategy, including citing the ongoing federal lawsuit involving Mullins and Fields.