LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WXKQ) – A circuit judge is expected to issue written rulings on requests involving bond, a change of venue and a new psychiatric evaluation for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who is charged in the September 2024 shooting death of Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins.
Prosecutors are seeking to move the trial out of eastern Kentucky, citing extensive media coverage and community discussion surrounding the case, while the defense wants the trial to remain in Letcher County.
The judge noted concerns that community divisions could make selecting an impartial jury difficult, but said he will review legal arguments before issuing a written decision.
The judge also said he would consider bond for Stines, though he indicated any bond would be significantly higher than the $50,000 amount requested by the defense. A ruling on motions involving the death penalty and additional psychiatric evaluations has not yet been made.