Former sheriff pleads not guilty to shooting death of judge

A former sheriff from Kentucky suspect in the fatal shooting by a judge in September was arraigned on new charges on Monday.

Monday’s arraignment hearing was held at the Letcher County Courthouse – the same courthouse where Shawn “Mickey” Stines is accused of shooting Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers on September 19.

An attorney for the 43-year-old Stines pleaded not guilty on his behalf Monday to a new charge of murdering a government official.

The judge denied Stine’s bond, citing security concerns, community safety and the charges against him.

Stines previously pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges, for which a special judge appointed to preside over the case has said he faces the death penalty.

It is still not clear what led to the alleged murder of Mullins, 54.

Just days before the shooting, Stines had been deposed in a lawsuit alleging he failed to investigate one of his deputies who sexually assaulted a woman in Mullins’ chambers.

Kentucky State Police previously said the shooting occurred “following an argument at the courthouse.” Letcher County Circuit Clerk Mike Watts said Stines and Mullins had lunch together earlier that day.

Mullins was found in his chambers with multiple gunshot wounds after a 911 caller reported gunfire inside the courthouse.

Stines was taken into custody at the courthouse without incident, police said. He retired from his position as sheriff shortly after his arrest.