LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (Scripps News Group) — The defense team for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines has filed a motion requesting a hearing to determine if their client has a serious intellectual disability or mental illness that would exclude him from facing the death penalty.
2.10.2026
Under Kentucky law, defendants determined to have a serious intellectual disability or serious mental illness cannot be executed. The statute requires the court to make this determination at least 90 days before trial begins.
The defense indicated they plan to present sealed evidence during the hearing, though specific details about Stines’ alleged condition were not disclosed in the filing.
2.10.2026
Under Kentucky law, defendants determined to have a serious intellectual disability or serious mental illness cannot be executed. The statute requires the court to make this determination at least 90 days before trial begins.
The defense indicated they plan to present sealed evidence during the hearing, though specific details about Stines’ alleged condition were not disclosed in the filing.
