Kentucky - Judge killed, sheriff arrested in Letcher County courthouse shooting - Sep. 19, 2024 # 3

[vls12345]

Former Letcher County Sheriff to be arraigned on a charge of murder of a public official

The former sheriff of Letcher County is being arraigned Monday in Letcher County. Shawn “Mickey” Stines was indicted by a grand jury late last week.

www.lpm.org

Arraignment at noon.

Prosecutors say Stines was indicted Thursday on one count of murder of a public official by a Letcher County grand jury.

 

[Ontario Mom]

Terms and definitions can vary a little and the term "arraignment" is often misused. But since the grand jury has indicted him, my guess is that the hearing will be him advised of the charges, potential penalties, and typically in an arraignment he will enter a plea (guilty or not guilty). Clock on speedy trial "usually" begins ticking at that point.

I know pretty much nothing about the way the legal system works so thank you for clearing that up. Since's he's already entered the not guilty plea, is this just a sort of formality step in the process?

 

[Ontario Mom]

Cameras are live now

 

[OldAce]

I'd be pretty surprised if the judge sets any kind of bond. If Stines genuinely believed/believes that "they" are trying to kidnap his wife and kid, I'd be seriously concerned for whoever the "them" happen to be, if he bonds out.

jmo

I too doubt the Judge will set a bond. However, if he does, I hope Stines does not make it. Just sit tight until trial.
I personally doubt if anyone else is at risk from him. I think the problem he faced is considered solved as far as he sees.

 

[Ontario Mom]

The audio was terrible but I did hear no bond, then Stines was ushered back out.

 

[arielilane]

Defendant Sheriff Stines' wife and daughter are in the courtroom. Judge Mullins (victim) wife just arrived. If you don't know about this case, I recommend reading up about it. It's crazy.

Here is the shooting video shown at the last hearing in KY v. Sheriff Mickey Stines. Sheriff Stines shot and killed Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers in September. A grand jury has indicted him and today is his arraignment.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1861088523669119422

 

[vls12345]

The audio was terrible but I did hear no bond, then Stines was ushered back out.

Same. Terrible audio but I also heard no bond.

 

[PrairieWind]

Same. Terrible audio but I also heard no bond.

Very hard to hear for sure. I think the Judge didn't address bond because since it is a potential capital case she didn't have to set bond. The defense just confirmed that they can raise that later which she agreed they could.

 

[tlcya]

no bond.

Retired Judge Julia H. Adams, presiding over the hearing after being appointed earlier this month to serve as special judge in the arraignment, said she came to the decision after "significant consideration." But with Stines facing a capital offense charge, she took the possibility of bond off the table at this time.
Judge decides against setting bond in case of former Letcher County sheriff Stines

 

[detectivewannab]

Do we know anything?

 

[arielilane]

@cathyrusson

Ex-Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines was escorted into the courtroom. This was his arraignment so it was very short. He's charged with shooting and killing Judge Kevin Mullin in chambers. Stines was the sheriff at the time. Motive still remains unclear. (A lot of rumors and speculation flying around). No bond at this time, that will be a matter for the trial judge. (not the arraignment judge today)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1861096352555618441

 

[Ontario Mom]

When the judge asked the names of defense counsel, Jeremy Bartley (who oddly resembles stand up comic Nate Bargatze) also noted the "honorable Jim Cox" was at the defense table as well. The judge clearly recognized him & they exchanged quick pleasantries. At 16:50

That seemed unusual to me. Why would defense have a judge (assuming that's what "the honorable" title means?) sitting at the their table?

 

[PrairieWind]

When the judge asked the names of defense counsel, Jeremy Bartley (who oddly resembles stand up comic Nate Bargatze) also noted the "honorable Jim Cox" was at the defense table as well. The judge clearly recognized him & they exchanged quick pleasantries. At 16:50

That seemed unusual to me. Why would defense have a judge (assuming that's what "the honorable" title means?) sitting at the their table?

"Honorable" could mean a few things. He could be a retired judge that is now back in private practice part time. I see that occasionally.

 

[tlcya]

When the judge asked the names of defense counsel, Jeremy Bartley (who oddly resembles stand up comic Nate Bargatze) also noted the "honorable Jim Cox" was at the defense table as well. The judge clearly recognized him & they exchanged quick pleasantries. At 16:50

That seemed unusual to me. Why would defense have a judge (assuming that's what "the honorable" title means?) sitting at the their table?

I don't believe the gentleman is a sitting judge. I believe that is James L. Cox, who is a practicing attorney based in Mount Vernon. Here is his firms' Facebook page. I wonder if his firm will be assisting Bartlet and his firm with this case?

ETA he specializes in criminal defense so that would line up

 

[vls12345]

From what I noticed during the arraignment, Stines didn't make eye contact with his family (who were sitting directly behind the defense table). He may have looked briefly when he was being led out (opposite side of the courtroom).

Imo.

 

[tlcya]

From what I noticed during the arraignment, Stines didn't make eye contact with his family (who were sitting directly behind the defense table). He may have looked briefly when he was being led out (opposite side of the courtroom).

Imo.

I wonder if he is refusing contact with them at all or if he was simply trying to govern his emotions in court and therefore didn't look their direction.

I don't know why but I get the impression his defense team STILL don't really have a grasp on his reasoning for the murder. JMO so no link.

 

[Ontario Mom]

From what I noticed during the arraignment, Stines didn't make eye contact with his family (who were sitting directly behind the defense table). He may have looked briefly when he was being led out (opposite side of the courtroom).

Imo.

When he walked in he did. He also mouthed what looked like "I love you honey". Starting at 14:50 in the video posted up-thread.

 

[vls12345]

When he walked in he did. He also mouthed what looked like "I love you honey". Starting at 14:50 in the video posted up-thread.

Oh, thanks. I must have glanced away or something. That seems more natural to me, that he would at least look at them (since, supposedly, they are wrapped up in his "reasoning" for the murder).

 

[vls12345]

I wonder if he is refusing contact with them at all or if he was simply trying to govern his emotions in court and therefore didn't look their direction.

I don't know why but I get the impression his defense team STILL don't really have a grasp on his reasoning for the murder. JMO so no link.

Re: his defense team. I wonder if they will switch out as this progresses. His original husband/wife lawyer team look they they do more personal injury/car accidents (their website even has "carwreckattorney" as part of the url) than criminal defense for murder.

https://www.carwreckattorneykentucky.com/

https://www.kybar.org/members/?id=32546099

For the newer gentleman, the FB page doesn't provide a lot of info (but I am not a FB user, so maybe I am overlooking it)? Here's his page from the Kentucky Bar Association:

https://www.kybar.org/members/?id=32257194

 

[PrairieWind]

I know pretty much nothing about the way the legal system works so thank you for clearing that up. Since's he's already entered the not guilty plea, is this just a sort of formality step in the process?

I didn't see this earlier, but after the formal indictment he needed to enter this plea of not guilty which his attorney did today.