The Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally taking pictures a decide in his chambers is retiring, in keeping with a letter from the homicide suspect’s lawyer.
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, was charged with first-degree homicide in reference to the demise of Kentucky District Decide Kevin Mullins, 54, who authorities mentioned was gunned down inside his chambers within the Letcher County Courthouse on Sept. 19.
Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines
Letcher County
Stines “has made the troublesome determination” to retire on Monday, attorneys Jeremy Bartley and Kerri Bartley said in a letter addressed to S. Travis Mayo, deputy counsel on the Kentucky governor’s workplace.
“This determination is made, not on account of any ultimatum or in any means as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” the letter said. “Fairly, Sheriff Stines has made this determination to permit for a successor to proceed to guard his beloved constituents whereas he addresses the authorized course of forward of him.”
Stines pleaded not responsible to the first-degree homicide cost throughout his first courtroom look final week.
There was no dialogue of a bond throughout the listening to, Lexington ABC affiliate WTVQ reported.
He’s anticipated again in courtroom on Tuesday.
Stines may face the demise penalty if convicted, in keeping with a particular decide appointed to preside over the case.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had beforehand known as on Stines to resign within the wake of the incident by Sept. 27. If not, Beshear mentioned there’s a “removing course of” he can begin.
“Each Kentucky county wants an lively and dealing sheriff,” Beshear mentioned at an unrelated press briefing final week. “Proper now, Letcher County would not have an lively and a working sheriff.”
Decide Kevin Mullins
Letcher County Authorities
Mullins was discovered with a number of gunshot wounds after a 911 caller reported pictures being fired contained in the courthouse, and Stines was taken into custody with out incident on the courthouse, police mentioned.
The taking pictures allegedly occurred “following an argument contained in the courthouse,” in keeping with Kentucky State Police, and investigators are nonetheless looking for a motive.
The 2 had had lunch collectively the day of the taking pictures, Letcher County Circuit Clerk Mike Watts instructed WTVQ.
Days earlier than the taking pictures, Stines was deposed in a lawsuit, which alleged he had failed to analyze one in all his deputies who sexually abused a lady in Mullins’ chambers.
