A Thursday court hearing in Whitesburg for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines was delayed for an undisclosed reason.
Stines is on trial for allegedly killing former Letcher District Court Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers in September 2024.
Stines, the prosecution and defense all appeared in court Thursday. But Circuit Court Judge Chris Cohron said there was an issue brought up before the hearing that had to be addressed before it could proceed, and adjourned it almost immediately.
“We will reset this matter as soon as it is practical,” Cohron said. “This is an issue that we want to make sure is handled correctly.”
Stines admitted to killing Mullins in court documents filed earlier this month. His defense team is arguing claims of insanity, which would lower the charge from murder to a lesser crime.
They argue he “lacked the capacity to intend” to shoot Mullins. Earlier this month, Cohron denied their motion to unseal a mental health evaluation.
Motions before the court included a bond hearing for Stines and a request by the prosecution to move the trial to a different venue.
His defense is looking for a bond of $50,000, claiming he isn’t a flight risk because of his ties to the local Whitesburg community.
The prosecution is looking for a change in venue because of the significant media coverage, attention from the public the case has gotten and his community ties.
Cohron did not elaborate on what held up the proceedings. It’s also not yet clear when the hearing will be rescheduled.
