In a shocking turn of events, Fox News Digital has obtained exclusive surveillance footage capturing the moments leading up to the alleged murder of former Kentucky 47th Judicial District Judge KEVIN MULLINS by former Letcher County Sheriff SHAWN MICKEY STINES. The incident, which occurred on September 19, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the small town of Whitesburg, Kentucky.
The footage, taken from Mullins’ chambers, shows the pair engaging in a cordial conversation with a group of colleagues and friends just hours before the fatal shooting. Earlier that day, Stines and Mullins had joined the group for lunch at StreetSide Grill & Bar, located within walking distance of the courthouse and county jail.
Body language expert SUSAN CONSTANTINE, who analyzed the footage, noted that Stines appeared tense and contemplative upon entering the chambers. “He was ready to go the minute he walked in,” Constantine told Fox News Digital. “He was shuffling his feet, had his hands in his pockets, and seemed to be contemplating something.”
In contrast, Mullins appeared despondent and unaware of Stines’ growing agitation. The two spoke privately for seven minutes before Stines allegedly locked the chamber door. Constantine observed that Mullins remained nonchalant, which may have further fueled Stines’ anger. “The more he played it off like it wasn’t a big deal, the more angry Stines became,” she said.
The footage also captures a pivotal moment when Mullins handed his phone to Stines, sparking widespread speculation among true crime enthusiasts. Stines reportedly attempted to make a call from the phone, which went unanswered, before tossing it back onto the desk. Moments later, he allegedly unholstered his pistol and shot Mullins at point-blank range.
Stines’ attorney, JEREMY BARTLEY, and his wife and co-counsel, KERRI BARTLEY, have refuted online rumors about the phone exchange. They explained that Stines had been trying to contact his daughter throughout the day and used Mullins’ phone in a desperate attempt to reach her. Bartley also revealed that Stines had been under immense stress due to a civil lawsuit filed against former Letcher County Sheriff’s Deputy BEN FIELDS, in which Stines was named as a defendant.
The lawsuit, filed by SABRINA ADKINS, alleges that Fields coerced her into sexual favors in exchange for leniency in her legal case. The incidents reportedly occurred in Mullins’ chambers, leading to heightened security measures, including the installation of a surveillance camera in the judge’s office.
Bartley argued that Stines’ actions were not premeditated but rather the result of extreme paranoia and emotional distress. “My client firmly believed that his family was in danger,” Bartley said. “He was under pressure not to disclose certain information during the deposition, which added to his anxiety.”
Stines has been charged with first-degree murder of a public official. His defense team is preparing an insanity defense, claiming the alleged killing occurred in the heat of the moment. Prosecuting attorney JACKIE STEELE has yet to comment on the case.
For more details, watch the exclusive footage and read the full story on [Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com).
**Sources:**
[Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)
[StreetSide Grill & Bar](https://www.streetsidegrill.com)
[Letcher County Sheriff’s Office](https://www.letchercountysheriff.com)