![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.wvih.com\/wp1\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Mickey-Stines.jpg?resize=125%2C125\")
\nA judge refused to dismiss the murder indictment against a former Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down a judge in his courthouse chambers, but will allow a bond hearing for the ex-lawman now jailed for more than a year, according to rulings released Thursday.<\/p>\n
Circuit Judge Christopher Cohron said at the upcoming bond hearing, defense attorneys cannot discuss the contents of a sealed mental health evaluation of former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn \u201cMickey\u201d Stines. A date for the hearing was not immediately set by Cohron, who serves as special judge in the case.<\/p>\n
Cohron said in the ruling Wednesday that “a bail hearing is not a trial rehearsal.\u201d<\/p>\n
In granting the defense request for the bond hearing, the judge said: \u201cThe court will first hear evidence to determine whether the defendant is bailable. If the defendant is found to be bailable, the court may then consider setting a bond.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stines is accused of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins in September 2024 at the courthouse in Whitesburg. Security camera footage from Mullins\u2019 chambers showed a man police identified as Stines pointing a gun and firing at Mullins. Mullins died at the scene and Stines, who was sheriff at the time, surrendered without incident.<\/p>\n
Stines has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder of a public official.<\/p>\n
Whether bond is justified for the former sheriff has been an ongoing issue. In August, defense attorneys recommended a $50,000 bond, saying Stines is not a flight risk and poses no danger to himself or the community. Prosecutors have responded that Stines is not entitled to a bond, citing a section of Kentucky\u2019s constitution that says the right to bail doesn\u2019t apply to people charged with a capital offense.<\/p>\n
Stines resigned as sheriff days after the shooting and has been held without bond.<\/p>\n
Stines could potentially face the death penalty if convicted, but prosecutors haven\u2019t yet filed notice with the court on whether they will seek the death penalty.
\nSource: AP<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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