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LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WJHL) — The defense responded on Tuesday to a state petition seeking to relocate the trial of former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who is accused of killing a judge in his chambers in September 2024.
Stines and his counsel filed a response to the motion, stating their opposition to the change of venue, citing multiple reasons.
“Media Coverage in This Case is an Issue That Will Not Change by Transfer to Any County Within The Commonwealth”
In the motion, the Commonwealth argued that a fair trial cannot be held in Eastern Kentucky, citing the small size of Letcher County and the fact that both the defendant and victim were elected officials.
The defense countered that media coverage of the case has extended beyond local news outlets, with state news organizations reporting on it, Court TV broadcasting hearings live and national and international attention leading to widespread discussion on social media.
“Even If This Court Were to Grant Transfer, the Transfer Should Be to An Adjoining County”
The defense argued that if a change of venue is granted, the transfer should be to a nearby county, citing Kentucky law KRS 452.210.
The adjoining county should be convenient to the parties, witnesses and attorneys involved in the trial, the response reads.
The defense claimed that moving the trial outside Eastern Kentucky would unfairly exclude a distinct regional community from the jury pool, violating the constitutional requirement for a fair cross-section.
“The Commonwealth seeks exclusion of all Eastern Kentuckians from a case of one of their own,” the defense stated in the response. “This violates the basic tenet of giving the accused a jury of his peers.”
“A Hearing on This Issue is Mandatory”
In closing, the defense stated that Kentucky law (KRS 452.220(3)) requires a hearing in open court if either the prosecution or defense asks for a change of venue.
Stines has been charged with first-degree murder and murder of a public official in the death of District Judge Kevin Mullins. Stines, who retired from the sheriff position in late September after his arrest, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
