The state attorney general’s office in Louisville, Kentucky has asked for a mental evaluation for a former sheriff charged with fatally shooting a judge in a courthouse. The ex-sheriff’s lawyers plan to argue that he was emotionally disturbed at the time of the incident. The crime shocked the small town of Whitesburg, where the accused, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, was known to be a close friend of the victim, District Judge Kevin Mullins. Security footage presented in court shows a man believed to be Stines shooting Mullins at his desk on September 19. The prosecution’s motion seeks a mental health evaluation to assess Stines’ claim of suffering from a mental condition that could affect his guilt and sentencing. The motive for the shooting remains unknown. Stines’ legal team intends to present evidence of insanity and extreme emotional disturbance but will not challenge his competency to stand trial. Stines is currently in custody without bail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
