Kentucky Supreme Court order sends recusal request back to special judge
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Supreme Court of Kentucky has issued a procedural order in the high-profile case involving former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who is charged with killing District Judge Kevin R. Mullins in 2024.
The court’s order, released Tuesday, sends the case back to Letcher County Circuit Court where Special Judge Christopher Cohorn, who is overseeing the case, must first rule on a motion to disqualify himself before the Supreme Court will consider the request for review.
Background on the case
On Sept. 19, 2024, surveillance video and state police reports show that Stines entered the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, walked into Judge Mullins’ chambers, and reportedly fatally shot him multiple times. Mullins, 54, a longtime district judge, died at the scene. Stines, 43, surrendered without resistance and was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Mullins had served as district judge since 2009 and reportedly was widely respected in the legal community. The shooting shocked the small community and prompted state officials, including the Kentucky Attorney General’s office, to oversee prosecution.
Stines resigned from his role as sheriff shortly after his arrest. His defense team has indicated plans to pursue defenses including “extreme emotional disturbance” and insanity, and has filed motions on several pretrial issues.
What the Supreme Court order means
Stines’ attorneys had filed a motion seeking to disqualify Judge Cohorn, arguing that prior rulings and interactions could affect impartiality. Instead of ruling on that motion itself, the Supreme Court said Cohorn must first hear the recusal request and decide whether to step aside.
Only after that decision can the Supreme Court consider reviewing it. The order does not affect the underlying murder charge or other pretrial motions at this time.
