Commonwealth pushes for mental health evaluation in Shawn “Mickey” Stines case
LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Prosecutors are asking a judge to order a mental health evaluation for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who is charged with the shooting death of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins.
In a filing submitted Wednesday, the Commonwealth responded to the defense’s opposition, arguing that an evaluation is necessary to determine Stines’ competency and mental state.
Stines is accused of fatally shooting Judge Mullins inside his chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse on September 19, 2024. Surveillance video appears to show Stines asking others to leave the room before opening fire on Mullins, who was sitting at his desk.
The Commonwealth argued in its response that a mental health evaluation would not prejudice the defendant but would give the court critical information on whether Stines understands the proceedings and can assist in his own defense.
Stines’ attorneys had opposed the additional evaluation, but prosecutors maintain the court has discretion in serious cases like this, especially when questions of competency or criminal responsibility may arise.
