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Motion to dismiss indictment filed for former Kentucky sheriff accused of killing judge

Shawn 'Mickey' Stines is led into the courtroom for a hearing after being arrested and charged with murdering Judge Kevin Mullins.
Associated Press
Shawn 'Mickey' Stines is led into the courtroom for a hearing after being arrested and charged with murdering Judge Kevin Mullins.

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is charged with murder in the shooting death of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins in September of 2024.

Surveillance video in the judge's chambers shows an apparent argument between Stines and Mullins. While there is no audio, the footage shows Stines pulling out a gun and firing several times.

Court documents filed by Stines' attorneys on Wednesday accuse the prosecution of having an undocumented meeting with the grand jury before the indictment was handed down. They also allege that the grand jury was not provided with the records they had requested from the Commonwealth.

The motion argues that "The grand jury asked questions and were prevented from hearing complete answers," including information regarding Stines' mental health. It goes on to claim that Detective Clayton Stamper testified to "multiple misleading statements" before the grand jury.

A hearing has been requested to prove that these alleged lapses created a bias, and they are asking the judge to dismiss the indictment with prejudice, which would prevent Stines from being tried again.