WHITESBURG, Ky. (LEX News) — Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines has filed an expedited appeal seeking release on bond after a special judge denied his request for bail in the high-profile murder case involving District Judge Kevin Mullins.
According to court records filed Aug. 21, Stines appealed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals following an Aug. 11 order by Special Judge Christopher T. Cohron denying bond. The filing was made pursuant to Kentucky Rule of Criminal Procedure 4.43.
In the Aug. 11 order, Cohron cited Section 16 of the Kentucky Constitution, which states that defendants charged with capital offenses are entitled to bail unless the proof of guilt is evident or the presumption of guilt is great. After a June 5 evidentiary hearing, the judge found that standard had been met and ordered Stines held without bail pending resolution of the case.
The order noted that prosecutors presented video evidence showing Stines fatally shooting Mullins inside the judge’s chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse. The defense called Stines’ aunt, who testified about changes in his behavior, stress and lack of sleep before the shooting.
The same order also granted prosecutors’ request for an additional mental health examination of Stines and approved a change of venue for the trial. Cohron wrote that extensive media coverage, social media discussion and strong local opinions about the case could prevent a fair trial in Letcher County.
The Kentucky Court of Appeals will determine whether the trial court properly denied bond. No ruling date has been announced.
