Special judge in former Letcher County sheriff murder case weighs several defense motions
By John McGary
August 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM EDT
The former Letcher County sheriff accused of murdering District Judge Kevin Mullins last September was in court Friday for a status hearing. Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley, who’s pursuing an insanity defense, asked the special judge to dismiss Mickey Stines’ indictment because a state police detective told a grand jury he believed Stines was sane when he shot Mullins to death.
“I believe that had they not been told by a prosecutorial … witness, someone from the government that he was sane, they wouldn't indict this case, or at least they might not have indicted on murder.”
Prosecutors said grand jury proceedings were conducted properly. The defense also requested an evidentiary hearing about the grand jury. Special prosecutor Ramsey Dallam said there was no need for that.
“Everything that transpired when testimony was presented to the grand jury in November is captured on that grand jury recording. The Commonwealth cannot conceive of a reason to haul witnesses in to talk about what transpired, because it's on that recording.”
The defense asked for bond to be set and suggested $50,000, saying Stines is not a flight risk and poses no danger to anyone. Special prosecutor Jackie Steele replied that the state Constitution does not require bond to be set in capital cases. The judge set a deadline of September 2 for each side to submit additional arguments.
“I believe that had they not been told by a prosecutorial … witness, someone from the government that he was sane, they wouldn't indict this case, or at least they might not have indicted on murder.”
Prosecutors said grand jury proceedings were conducted properly. The defense also requested an evidentiary hearing about the grand jury. Special prosecutor Ramsey Dallam said there was no need for that.
“Everything that transpired when testimony was presented to the grand jury in November is captured on that grand jury recording. The Commonwealth cannot conceive of a reason to haul witnesses in to talk about what transpired, because it's on that recording.”
The defense asked for bond to be set and suggested $50,000, saying Stines is not a flight risk and poses no danger to anyone. Special prosecutor Jackie Steele replied that the state Constitution does not require bond to be set in capital cases. The judge set a deadline of September 2 for each side to submit additional arguments.