A Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting a district judge has officially turned in his badge after announcing his retirement from the position.
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is accused of shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins multiple times on Sept. 19 in the local Whitesburg courthouse. Mullins, a judge since 2009, died at the scene.
Stines reportedly surrendered without incident and has subsequently pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge. He has been in custody since surrendering to other law enforcement officers moments after the shooting.
According to Kerri Bartley, an attorney acting on behalf of Stines, her client decided to retire on his own terms on Sept. 30 rather than as the result of any request, ultimatum, or concession to prosecutors’ allegations….