Fraught Final Encounter Caught On Camera Between Sheriff And Judge

Newly released surveillance footage captures the final moments between former Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines and Judge Kevin Mullins before Stines allegedly shot and killed the judge in his chambers—revealing a seemingly normal interaction that suddenly turned deadly.

Quick Takes

Surveillance video shows Sheriff Stines entering Judge Mullins’ chambers after the two had lunch together with friends, clearing the room for a private conversation.
Body language experts analyzing the footage noted Stines appeared anxious and contemplative while Mullins seemed relaxed and unaware of any potential threat.
Stines allegedly exchanged phones with Mullins, locked the door, and shot the judge at point-blank range after looking through Mullins’ phone.
Stines’ defense team plans to argue insanity, claiming he was paranoid and sleep-deprived due to a civil lawsuit that connected both men to allegations against a former deputy.
The courthouse had recently installed additional security cameras following a separate lawsuit involving sexual misconduct allegations against a former deputy.

Final Meeting Footage

The surveillance footage that captured the last interaction between former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines and Judge Kevin Mullins provides critical evidence in the murder case that has shocked Kentucky’s legal community. The video shows events following a lunch the two men shared with friends and coworkers on the day of the shooting. After the meal, Stines entered Mullins’ chambers and cleared the room, creating an opportunity for a private conversation with the judge. The seemingly routine meeting would ultimately end in tragedy.

According to investigators, the footage shows Stines locking the door after others left the room. He then allegedly exchanged phones with Mullins, examined the judge’s device, attempted to make a call that went unanswered, and subsequently shot Mullins at close range. The shooting, which occurred in September, resulted in first-degree murder charges against Stines, who had worked alongside Mullins for years in the Letcher County legal system.

Body Language Reveals Pre-Murder Tension

Body language expert Susan Constantine, who analyzed the surveillance footage, identified telling differences in demeanor between the two men. According to Constantine, Stines displayed signs of premeditation and anxiety before the shooting took place. His behavior suggested he was mentally preparing himself for what was about to happen, while Mullins appeared completely unaware of any impending danger.

Constantine said, “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.”

In stark contrast, Judge Mullins displayed no signs of apprehension during their interaction. Constantine noted the judge’s relaxed demeanor, describing him as “nonchalant” and “carefree” throughout their conversation. This reinforces the prosecution’s position that the attack was unexpected and that Mullins had no reason to fear Stines, despite their connection to a controversial legal matter involving allegations of misconduct.

Legal Pressure and Insanity Defense

Stines’ defense attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has indicated they will pursue an insanity defense, claiming the former sheriff was suffering from paranoia and sleep deprivation at the time of the shooting. According to court documents, Stines was deeply troubled by a civil lawsuit that named him as a defendant alongside former Deputy Ben Fields. The lawsuit, filed by Sabrina Adkins, accused Fields of sexual assault and claimed some incidents occurred in Judge Mullins’ chambers.

Just three days before the shooting, Stines had been deposed in this lawsuit and reportedly felt intense pressure regarding the proceedings. His attorney claims this pressure, combined with paranoia about the case, led to an impulsive act rather than a premeditated murder. The lawsuit had already caused significant upheaval in the Letcher County legal system, with Fields previously pleading guilty to multiple charges including third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy, and perjury.

Courthouse Security Concerns

Ironically, the surveillance camera that captured the shooting had been installed as part of enhanced security measures implemented following the Fields lawsuit. The Administrative Office of the Courts confirmed that 18 additional cameras were placed throughout the Letcher County Courthouse at the request of judges, the circuit court clerk, and Sheriff Stines himself. These cameras were positioned in various locations including judges’ office areas, but there had been no cameras in Judge Mullins’ chambers prior to this security upgrade.

The installation of these additional security measures highlights the tension and concerns that existed within the courthouse prior to the murder. The Fields case had created a cloud of suspicion and allegations that touched multiple officials within the county’s justice system. While Judge Mullins was mentioned in a 2022 investigation interview related to the Fields case, he was never formally accused or charged with any wrongdoing in connection with those allegations.