In a tragic and highly publicized case, Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines of Letcher County, Kentucky, stands accused of the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins. The courtroom shooting in Whitesburg has left the community in shock, raising many questions about the events that led to such a shocking act of violence. The shooting, which took place on September 19, has stirred public interest not only because of the close relationship between the two men but also due to the mystery surrounding Stines’ alleged phone calls to his daughter right before the incident.
But amidst the speculation about the sheriff’s motives and state of mind, many are left wondering: How old is Sheriff Stines’ daughter, and what role, if any, did she play in the tragic events?
The Fatal Shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins
On September 19, 2024, just before 3 p.m., Sheriff Stines allegedly shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins in his private chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse. The shooting was captured on video, which was later played during a court hearing. According to prosecutors, the video shows Stines firing multiple shots at the judge, who tried to hide behind his desk but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
While the video shows the tragic sequence of events, it does not provide clear audio, leaving many questions about what led to the shooting unanswered. Investigators believe that phone calls made by Stines—both from his own phone and from the judge’s phone—may hold the key to understanding the sheriff’s motives.
What We Know About the Phone Calls
One of the most puzzling aspects of the case is Stines’ decision to call his daughter right before the shooting. According to testimony from Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper, the sheriff made several phone calls, some of which were to his daughter. Stamper testified that Stines had tried to reach his daughter on his own phone and then attempted to call her again using Judge Mullins’ phone. Investigators have not yet publicly disclosed the contents of these phone calls, but the fact that Stines’ daughter’s phone number was stored on the judge’s phone has raised eyebrows.
This detail has sparked speculation about the relationship between Stines’ daughter and Judge Mullins. Was there a personal connection between them? Could something discovered during these phone calls have triggered the violent outburst from Stines? While these questions remain unanswered, one thing is clear: the sheriff’s relationship with his daughter is a crucial aspect of the case.
How Old is Sheriff Stines’ Daughter?
The question of how old Sheriff Stines’ daughter is may seem trivial in light of the gravity of the situation, but understanding her age could provide important context to the phone calls made before the shooting. Based on available information, it appears that Stines’ daughter is a young adult. However, investigators have been tight-lipped about specific details regarding her identity and her exact role in the events leading up to the shooting.
Given her age, it is possible that Stines’ daughter is in her late teens or early twenties, which would align with the timeline of Stines’ career as sheriff and his previous role as a bailiff in Judge Mullins’ courtroom. Her age may also help explain why Stines felt such a strong sense of urgency to contact her before the tragic incident occurred.
The Luncheon Before the Shooting
Earlier on the day of the shooting, Stines and Mullins attended a luncheon with several other individuals. According to a witness, during the luncheon, Mullins asked Stines if they needed to meet privately, though the context of this question remains unclear. Later, the two men were seen entering the judge’s chambers, where the fatal shooting eventually took place.
Stamper, the lead investigator, testified that Stines was “mostly calm” after he was taken into custody, offering no clear motive for his actions. When asked about his state of mind, Stines reportedly said, “Treat me fair.” This cryptic statement, along with his subsequent claim that “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid,” has led to further speculation about his mental state at the time of the shooting.
The Investigation Continues
As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to Judge Mullins’ death, the phone calls made by Stines remain a central focus of the case. Forensic teams are currently examining the phones involved, including the phones of both Stines and Judge Mullins. However, as of yet, Stines’ daughter’s phone has not been examined, leaving a significant gap in the investigation.
Authorities have interviewed Stines’ daughter, but no specific details from her interview have been released. Whether or not the phone calls provide any insight into Stines’ motive remains to be seen, but it is clear that his concern for his daughter played a role in the moments leading up to the shooting.
The Aftermath: Stines Resigns as Sheriff
In the wake of the shooting, Stines resigned from his position as Letcher County Sheriff, a move that was widely expected given the serious nature of the charges against him. Governor Andy Beshear and other officials had called for his resignation, and Stines stepped down shortly after the shooting.
At a court hearing, Judge Rupert Wilhoit allowed the case to move forward to a grand jury, where Stines will face charges of first-degree murder. The defense has argued that there may be a case for manslaughter rather than murder, citing a lack of clear motive and questioning whether the shooting was premeditated.
Conclusion: More Questions Than Answers
As the case against Sheriff Shawn Stines moves forward, the mystery surrounding the phone calls to his daughter and the events leading up to the shooting remain at the forefront of the investigation. While we know that Stines tried to contact his daughter just before the shooting, the significance of those calls remains unclear. What we do know is that Stines’ relationship with his daughter is a key element of the case, and understanding more about their connection could shed light on his actions.
In the meantime, the people of Letcher County are left to grapple with the loss of a respected judge and the shocking betrayal by a sheriff who was once seen as a trusted member of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Sheriff Stines’ daughter? Sheriff Stines’ daughter is believed to be a young adult, possibly in her late teens or early twenties, though specific details about her age have not been made public.
2. Why did Sheriff Stines call his daughter before the shooting? It remains unclear why Sheriff Stines attempted to call his daughter before the shooting. Investigators are still trying to determine the significance of these phone calls.
3. Was there a personal relationship between Judge Mullins and Stines’ daughter? There is no confirmed information about a personal relationship between Judge Mullins and Stines’ daughter. However, the fact that her phone number was stored on the judge’s phone has raised questions about their connection.
4. What will happen next in the case? The case has been moved forward to a grand jury, where Stines will face charges of first-degree murder. His defense team is arguing that the shooting may have been manslaughter rather than murder.
5. Is Sheriff Stines still in his position? No, Sheriff Stines resigned from his position following the shooting and subsequent charges.