Newly Released Bodycam Footage Shows Kentucky Sheriff Panicking After Killing Judge in Courthouse [WATCH]

Newly released bodycam footage reveals the state of mind of Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines moments after he fatally shot Judge Kevin Mullins inside the Letcher County Courthouse on September 19, 2024, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The footage, captured by Kentucky State Police (KSP), shows Stines visibly distressed and fearful for his life as troopers attempted to take him into custody.

Judge Mullins, a longtime friend of Stines, was shot in his chambers shortly after the two reportedly had lunch together. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

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Video evidence captured the moments leading up to the shooting, including Mullins attempting to hide behind his desk before Stines opened fire.

In the minutes following the incident, troopers attempted to speak with Stines, who repeatedly expressed fear that he would be killed if transported to the Leslie County Jail.

“I leave this building, I won’t draw another breath. Put me in the Leslie County Jail, I’ll get killed there. I’ll get killed in any jail.”

KSP Investigator Clayton Stamper attempted to calm the sheriff, telling him, “We have no intentions of harming you whatsoever.” Stines remained unconvinced, telling the troopers he believed someone would intercept the transport and kill him.

“I seen the look… Y’all come on now, don’t kill me. Don’t punish me.”

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As the situation escalated, troopers agreed to allow Trooper Jason Bates—who previously worked under Stines—to transport him to Leslie County.

Stines eventually agreed but continued to display signs of paranoia, scanning his surroundings for threats as he was led out.

Stines’ legal team has indicated they plan to present an insanity defense. Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley said his client was under intense stress and perceived threats to his family in the days leading up to the shooting.

Just before the incident, Stines was captured on video expressing concerns about his wife and daughter. He reportedly called his daughter from the judge’s phone and later told officers:

“They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid.”

Bartley linked Stines’ state of mind to a deposition he gave days before the shooting.

That testimony was part of a civil case filed by Sabrina Adkins, who alleged she was coerced into a months-long sexual relationship with a deputy in exchange for staying out of jail.

Adkins also claimed the sexual encounters occurred in Mullins’ chambers and alleged Mullins engaged in similar behavior with other women.

The lawsuit, filed in January 2022, named former deputy Ben Fields as another participant in the alleged misconduct. Fields was accused of filming the encounters. Stines was named in the case just three days before the fatal shooting.

Bartley stated, “I think the deposition has several important roles in this case… it’s going to be a large portion of the story we tell.”

The case is ongoing, and state prosecutors have not publicly commented on how the deposition or allegations in the civil suit may factor into the criminal proceedings.

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