According to Daily Mail, Lechter County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, 43, allegedly shot and killed his long-time friend, District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, on September 19.
During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, investigators revealed that the shooting occurred just seconds after Stines discovered his daughter's phone number saved in Judge Mullins' mobile phone.
CCTV footage played during the hearing showed Stines firing eight shots at point-blank range at Mullins, who attempted to take cover under his desk. The brutal nature of the attack has shocked the community, leaving many struggling to reconcile the violent act with the men they thought they knew.
Lead investigator Clayton Stamper testified that the shooting happened mere seconds after Stines looked at Mullins' phone. When questioned about the timeline, Stamper confirmed the rapidity of the events, stating, "Just seconds."
The defense team for Stines has suggested that the content of Mullins' phone may have triggered an extreme emotional response. They argued that the incident might be better classified as manslaughter rather than murder, citing a lack of premeditation.
The small town of Whitesburg is struggling to come to terms with the loss of two respected community leaders. Both Stines and Mullins were well-known figures, often seen dining together at local establishments.
Witnesses reported that the two men had lunch together at the popular Streetside Grill & Bar on Main Street just hours before the shooting.
During this meal, one observer overheard Mullins ask Stines, "Do we need to meet private in my chambers?" This cryptic exchange has fueled speculation about what might have transpired between the two men.
In the wake of the tragedy, Judge Mullins' wife, Kimberly, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. She wrote:
Proud to be the wife of this Irreplaceable man. Kevin was a lot of things to a lot of people. But he was Everything to me and my girls.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to uncover more details about the events leading up to the shooting. Investigators are currently analyzing the mobile phones involved in the case, hoping to gain insight into what might have triggered the violent outburst.
The court heard that there is currently no evidence to suggest the shooting was preplanned. This revelation has added to the complexity of the case, as it contradicts the typical understanding of premeditated murder.
Despite the shocking nature of the crime, some community members are reserving judgment until more information comes to light. One local resident commented, "Mickey Stines was obviously not a crooked sheriff," highlighting the disbelief many feel about the situation.
The small town of Whitesburg, Kentucky, has been rocked by the tragic shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins by Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines. The incident, which occurred after Stines discovered his daughter's number on Mullins' phone, left the community divided and searching for answers. As the investigation continues, residents grapple with the loss of two respected figures and the implications this event will have on their tight-knit community.
