Multiple Internet publications from Letcher County, Kentucky, claim that Sheriff Sean Mickey Staines, who shot and killed District Judge Kevin Mullins, sought revenge for his daughter.
After the two got into an argument on Thursday, September 19, Stins reportedly shot and killed Mullins in his chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky. He then emerged and surrendered to the authorities.
Mickey Staines was unexpectedly defended in internet conversations spurred on by the gruesome murder, as it was claimed he killed his wife and family to protect them. Others accuse Stins of engaging in a culture of abuse in the local law enforcement community; Stines was sued for forcing a woman to perform sexual acts in exchange for avoiding prison.
Alleged domestic abuse
Many viral posts from Letcher County residents claim that Judge Mullins committed several unfavorable acts that led to his murder.
“I was shocked to hear about Mickey Staines shooting Kevin Mullins, but anyone who lives in Letcher County knows how Kevin and how many of the lawyers are in Whitesburg if they're a woman. I could see Kevin making a pass at women in court when he's on his smoke breaks. Resident of Letcher County One R,” claimed Jessica Wall in a viral Facebook post.
She continued: “…most of the women who went against Kevin were all dressed to impress because he and some of the lawyers got sexual favors to reduce or even throw out their sentences, so I'm not doing it. Don't blame Mickey at all if it was my youngest daughter , I would do the same.”
Another post alleged even more serious crimes against the judge.
The allegations sparked much debate as others condemned Stines for taking the law into his own hands even though his family had allegedly been abused.
According to online reports, Stines is being sued by a woman who claims one of his deputies pressured her to have sex with the deputy in exchange for favorable treatment. The alleged abuse took place in Mullins' office, although the lawsuit does not name him as a defendant. It is not clear what connection this lawsuit had to the shooting.
District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, was discovered Thursday with multiple gunshot wounds in his chambers.
Lecher County Sheriff Shawn M. “Mickey” Staines, 43, was arrested at the scene. He was charged with first degree murder. Authorities have not commented on a possible motive.
Stines allegedly entered the judge's outer office, then told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with Mullins alone, according to the Mountain Eagle. Shortly after the two entered the judge's office, shots rang out. Then Staines came out with his hands up and surrendered to the police.
State police said Stines fatally shot Mullins after an argument Thursday afternoon in court.
