One year later: The courthouse shooting that stunned Letcher County and the nation
LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – It’s been one year since a deadly courthouse shooting shook the Letcher County community and has become a national sensation. On September 19, 2024, District Court Judge Kevin Mullins was shot and killed inside his chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg.
According to investigators, then-Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines walked into Mullins’ office, closed the door, and moments later opened fire. Court employees can be seen on security video leaving the area just before the gunshots rang out.
Stines later surrendered to police and was charged with murder. Kentucky State Police have not released a motive. Stines has since pleaded not guilty and is pursuing an insanity defense.
A year later, the case remains unresolved, and the community continues to wait for it to move toward trial.
Background and timeline of events
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September 19, 2024: Judge Kevin Mullins is shot and killed inside his chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse. Then-Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is arrested and charged with murder.
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September 2024: Stines is booked into custody. Prosecutors announce they will seek a life sentence if convicted.
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October 2024: Court documents reveal Stines intends to pursue an insanity defense. His attorneys file motions for psychiatric evaluations.
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December 2024 – January 2025: Multiple hearings are delayed as defense attorneys request additional time to review evidence and expert testimony.
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Spring 2025: A judge orders a competency evaluation for Stines. Results are filed under seal. Prosecutors continue to push for trial dates.
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Summer 2025: Court filings confirm Stines is maintaining his not guilty plea. Motions related to the insanity defense and admissibility of evidence remain pending.
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September 19, 2025: The one-year mark arrives with no trial date set. The case remains in pre-trial stages.
