(LEX 18) — The Commonwealth of Kentucky has filed a "petition for change of venue" in the trial of Shawn "Mickey" Stines, who is indicted for the murder of Letcher County Judge Kevin Mullins.
In the petition, the Commonwealth states that "KRS 452.210 requires a circuit judge to move the trial of a criminal action to an 'adjacent county' if it appears the defendant or the state will not receive a 'fair trial in the county where the prosecution is pending."
According to the petition, the Commonwealth notes that "the preconceived opinions as to the character and ability of these two men [Stines and Mullins] is likely to irreconcilably prejudice both the Commonwealth and the Defendant if this trial takes place in Letcher County."
In addition, the Commonwealth details that "the pre-trial and ongoing publicity surrounding this case has aroused the public... in a way in which a fair and impartial trial held in counties surrounding Letcher County would be unlikely."
Crime
Defense lawyer seeks $50K bond for ex-sheriff charged in KY judge's killing
The defense also filed a motion to dismiss the murder indictment, claiming that the Commonwealth "violated the defendant's constitutional rights and elicited false and misleading testimony which prejudiced the defendant and tainted the grand jury proceedings."
According to the motion, medical records allegedly show that Stines was diagnosed with "acute stress reaction" on Sept. 18, 2024 - the day before Judge Mullins was killed in his chambers. The defense argues that this reported diagnosis contradicts testimony that mental health issues were not documented in the case.
The defense also cited a number of interviews conducted by Kentucky State Police including an interview with Attorney Daniel Dotson.
Dotson allegedly told investigators that he advised Stines to seek a mental health evaluation. He allegedly told police that Stines was "losing it" and described him as having "paranoid schizophrenia," according to the motion.
Further, a court document detailed that the defense requested an "evidentiary bond hearing and the setting of reasonable bail." The document read that the bail amount should be based on if the individual is a "flight risk, is unlikely to appear for trial, or is likely to be a danger to the public if released."
