Attorneys prosecuting the Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down a choose in his chamber have collected a “voluminous” quantity of proof that would take as much as six months to assessment.
Ex-Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines appeared nearly in courtroom Friday for a standing listening to alongside his legal professionals from the Leslie County Detention Middle the place he has been holed up since his arrest.
Stines, 44, was indicted on one rely of homicide of a public official after video footage captured him aiming a gun at District Choose Kevin Mullins, 54, contained in the jurist’s workplace on Sept. 19, 2024.
The previous lawman had lunch with Mullins hours earlier than he allegedly shot his longtime buddy eight instances.
The alleged assassin – sporting a grey jumpsuit – sat silently behind his attorneys through the listening to, in response to courtroom video obtained by CourtTV.
Protection Lawyer Jeremy Bartley instructed Circuit Court docket Choose Christopher Cohron that he obtained a “voluminous” quantity of proof from the prosecutors within the case, and is now reviewing it.
Cohron was appointed as particular choose for the case final month.
Prosecutor Jackie Steele stated the state continues to be discovering further proof within the case that would take half a 12 months to comb by.
“We still have some things coming in and being tested. I would think within the next four to six months all discovery and testing will be complete,” Steele through the listening to Friday.
Neither aspect specified the kind of proof that may be used within the pending trial.
The chilling video inside Mullins’ workplace captured the 2 males in what gave the impression to be a heated dialog earlier than Stines pulled out a gun and aimed it on the choose’s head.
Mullins, who was sitting behind his desk, raised his arms in worry and tried to show away simply moments earlier than Stines allegedly fired eight rounds at him, the footage exhibits.
The footage was proven to prosecutors throughout a preliminary courtroom listening to in October.
Stines surrendered to officers with out incident and resigned as sheriff 11 days later.
Investigators haven’t revealed a motive behind the viral slaying, however authorities beforehand prompt a “sex scandal” could have contributed to the killing.
A grand jury indicted Stines in November.
Throughout the listening to, Bartley indicated he’ll ask for a bond for Stines at a later courtroom look.
The ex-sheriff’s bond launch had been in limbo earlier than Cohron’s appointment to the case.
Stines might face the loss of life penalty if he’s discovered responsible.
With Put up wires
