Crime
Shawn Stines Asked Mullins’ Phone to Call Daughter Before Opening Fire Seconds After Viewing Judge’s Screen
Surveillance footage captured the entire confrontation, showing Stines opening fire on Mullins multiple times.
In a shocking turn of events, former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines has been indicted on murder charges following the fatal shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers.
New details revealed in court proceedings shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.
According to testimony from Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper, Sheriff Stines attempted to contact his daughter multiple times on the day of the shooting, even using Judge Mullins’ phone.
Surveillance footage captured the entire confrontation, showing Stines opening fire on Mullins multiple times.
Despite his actions, Stines remained calm after the shooting and offered little explanation for his actions.
However, the state presented evidence suggesting premeditation, including the fact that Stines and Mullins had met for lunch earlier in the day and that Stines had expressed concerns about his family’s safety.
Stines’ attorney argued for a lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter, citing extreme emotional disturbance.
However, the judge ruled that the evidence supported the murder charge.
Governor Andy Beshear had previously requested Stines’ resignation, and Stines ultimately announced his retirement from the sheriff’s office.
The case is now headed to a grand jury, where a decision on Stines’ future will be made.
Crime
Victims killed in Beaver County shooting identified
Authorities have not disclosed further information about the couple or the nature of the incident.
Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting incident in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, that left two people dead and two others injured on Sunday night.
The shooting occurred on Shaffer Road, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. Emergency medical teams arrived on the scene, and the two injured individuals were airlifted to a nearby hospital via medical helicopter for treatment. Their conditions remain undisclosed.
North Sewickley Police confirmed on Monday morning that the incident was contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
However, they have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or potential suspects.
The two victims who lost their lives have been identified as Michelle Tomecsko Hunt and her husband, Bill Hunt.
Authorities have not disclosed further information about the couple or the nature of the incident.
The incident has left the small, close-knit community in shock. Jennifer Lanham, who works nearby, shared her disbelief.
“Everybody here knows everybody. We’re a very tight-knit community. Everybody looks out for one another. This is a tragedy beyond compare for our town,” Lanham said.
Lanham recounted how one of her employees informed her that police had requested nearby businesses to close as a precaution.
“It’s really hard to wrap your head around something like this. A multiple homicide in a small town—it’s staggering. You just don’t hear about things like this happening here,” she added.
Law enforcement has not yet provided details on the motive or any suspects involved in the shooting. The investigation remains active, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the case.
Further updates will be provided as authorities release more information about this tragic event.