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.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.