A Kentucky sheriff, Mickey Stynes, is accused of shooting and killing Judge Kevin Mullins during a meeting in the judge’s chambers. The incident occurred after the two had lunch together earlier in the day. The tragic event has led to significant courtroom developments as the investigation unfolds.

The Courtroom Proceedings and Sheriff’s Statement

During the preliminary hearing, Stynes appeared in court, shackled and accompanied by his attorney. Although he did not speak directly to the court, it was revealed through testimony that the sheriff had made an alarming comment during his initial arrest. According to one of the officers present at the time, Stynes allegedly said, “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid.” This statement has raised concerns about the sheriff’s mental state during the incident, potentially pointing to emotional disturbance or paranoia.

Phone Call Before the Shooting

Testimony provided by the lead investigator revealed a critical detail of the case: Stynes had borrowed Judge Mullins’ phone shortly before the shooting. According to the investigator, after the two men finished lunch and returned to the courthouse, they entered Mullins’ chambers for a private meeting. It was during this time that Stynes took the judge’s cell phone and made a call to his own daughter. The investigator testified that Stynes’ daughter’s phone number was found in the call log of Judge Mullins’ phone, confirming the sheriff’s use of the device. Moments after making the call, investigators claim Stynes shot the judge multiple times.

Defense Argument for Manslaughter Charge

Stynes’ attorney argued that the sheriff’s actions could be considered manslaughter rather than murder, citing an “extreme emotional disturbance” related to the phone call. The defense emphasized the possibility that Stynes was in a heightened emotional state at the time, possibly triggered by personal stress or paranoia. The attorney presented this argument in an effort to lessen the severity of the charges, pushing for a manslaughter conviction instead of a murder charge.

Prosecutor’s Case for Murder

Despite the defense’s argument, the prosecution firmly maintained that there was enough evidence to support a murder charge. The prosecutor highlighted that Stynes had intentionally shot and killed Judge Mullins, and the multiple gunshots indicated a deliberate act. Based on this evidence, the prosecutor argued that Stynes’ actions demonstrated intent to kill, making a murder charge appropriate.

Court Decision: Probable Cause for Murder Charge

After hearing both sides, the presiding judge ruled in favor of the prosecution, agreeing that there was sufficient probable cause to charge Stynes with murder. The judge emphasized that the evidence presented indicated the judge was shot multiple times in an intentional act of violence, dismissing the defense’s claim of extreme emotional disturbance as insufficient to downgrade the charge.

The Investigation and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The investigation is still ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case proceeds. For now, Stynes remains in custody, facing the possibility of a murder conviction. The tragic death of Judge Mullins has left the local community in shock, and the legal system continues to grapple with the complexities of the case.

Stynes’ attorney is expected to continue to argue for a lesser charge, but the prosecutor’s office appears determined to pursue the murder charge based on the evidence of premeditation and intent.

A Tragic Incident and Legal Battle Ahead

This case has raised several important legal questions, including the potential influence of emotional disturbance on criminal responsibility and the weight of circumstantial evidence in establishing intent. As the case moves forward, the court will need to carefully evaluate the mental state of Stynes at the time of the shooting, as well as the context of his relationship with Judge Mullins.

The court proceedings will also need to address why Stynes made the call to his daughter and how that phone call may have played into the series of events leading to the judge’s death.