Former Kentucky sheriff to undergo psychiatric evaluation in murder case
By Stan Ingold
March 12, 2025 at 10:22 PM EDT
State officials have ordered former Letcher County sheriff Shawn Stines to be examined on the issue of criminal responsibility.
Stines is charged with murder in the shooting death of Letcher County Judge Kevin Mullins last September. Stines' attorney has said they plan on pursuing insanity and extreme emotional disturbance defenses.
Officials will have Stines moved to the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center in La Grange for evaluation. Stines' lawyer has asked for a defense expert to be present during the evaluation, a request the Commonwealth has agreed to.
The request for evaluation does not raise the issue of whether or not Stines is competent to stand trial.
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Stines is charged with murder in the shooting death of Letcher County Judge Kevin Mullins last September. Stines' attorney has said they plan on pursuing insanity and extreme emotional disturbance defenses.
Officials will have Stines moved to the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center in La Grange for evaluation. Stines' lawyer has asked for a defense expert to be present during the evaluation, a request the Commonwealth has agreed to.
The request for evaluation does not raise the issue of whether or not Stines is competent to stand trial.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.