(NewsNation) — A judge presiding over the trial of the now-former Kentucky sheriff accused of killing a local judge in his chambers found probable cause to send the case to a grand jury on Tuesday.
Ex-Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, pleaded not guilty to the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins. At a court hearing Tuesday, Clayton Stamper of the Kentucky State Police was questioned.
Kentucky State Police say an investigation indicates Stines shot Mullins multiple times following an argument inside the courthouse in September.
Stines, according to The Mountain Eagle, allegedly walked into the judge’s outer office, then told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with Mullins alone. After the two walked into the judge’s chambers, witnesses heard gunshots. Stines walked out with his hands up and surrendered to police. On Tuesday, prosecutors showed security camera video of the shooting.
One of the lawyers for Shawn “Mickey” Stines said Monday that her client had stepped down from his position as Letcher County sheriff following the shooting. Attorney Kerri Bartley said Stines’ decision was not the result of an ultimatum or concession to prosecutors’ allegations, but “to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him.”
Authorities have not provided a motive for the shooting. Stamper testified that when Stine was taken into custody, he said “they’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid.” No other details on that were provided. During Stamper’s testimony, he was asked about phone records indicating communication between Mullins and Stines’ daughter. There was no indication of what that communication was, though.
If convicted, Stines could be given anywhere from 20 years in prison to a life sentence. Because he is accused of killing a public official, the Associated Press reported, he could also potentially face the death penalty.
NewsNation digital producer Cassie Buchman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.