Pre-Q. Sheriff Shawn Stines charged with murder of Judge Kevin Mullins

A grand jury has indicted a rural Kentucky sheriff who shot His longtime judge friend in his chambers during a heated argument – in a brutal murder that could have made him eligible for the death penalty.

Thursday’s decision comes more than two months after Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Stines, 43 Horrifying surveillance footage captured He allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at District Judge Kevin Mullins’ head moments before brutally firing eight rounds.

Mullins, 54, died in the chambers where he served for 15 years.

Stines, who surrendered shortly after the shooting, asking police to “treat me fairly”, now faces a charge of murder of a public officer – a charge that could bring him the death penalty if convicted. Can give.

The men, who had been friends for 30 years, had lunch together just hours before Stines allegedly pulled out his gun on Sept. 19 inside the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg.

Shocking footage showed Mullins, who was sitting behind his desk, raise his hands in fear and attempt to move away moments before Stine fired the shot.

The disturbing footage shows Mullins hiding under his desk when the sheriff approached him and allegedly shot him twice at close range before leaving the chamber.

Kentucky detective Clayton Stamper testified last month that additional footage from inside the chamber — which was not shown in court or released — showed the sheriff using his and Mullins’ phones to call their daughter just before the brutal murder. Imprisoned for making calls multiple times.

Stamper confirms police found Stines’ daughter’s phone number saved on judge’s phone

After his surrender, Stynes ​​told police, “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and baby.”

Although the motive is still unclear, Defense lawyer Jeremy Bartley had earlier called the murder a crime of passion. This was done because his client was experiencing “extreme emotional disturbance”.

Authorities also suggested that a murder investigation be underway. potential sex scandal But it has not been detailed yet.

Stines, who retired from his position less than two weeks after the shooting, has since been held in the Leslie County Jail.

The gunman’s sheriff will be indicted on Monday.