Letcher County sheriff Mickey Stines has stepped down after being accused of walking into a judge’s chambers and killing him.
One of Stines’ attorneys describes his departure from the Letcher County sheriff position after a long career in law enforcement is being described as a retirement.
The attorney said that Stines' decision was not the result of any ultimatum or a concession to prosecutors’ allegations.
Governor Andy Beshear's office sent a letter to Stines last week asking him to resign by Friday or measures would be taken to remove him.
Stines pleaded not guilty to murder. He is scheduled to be in court for a preliminary hearing this afternoon in Morgan County.
State police say the preliminary investigation indicates Stines shot District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times following an argument inside the courthouse.
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