On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, WJHL reported that a former Kentucky sheriff charged in the killing of a district judge is continuing efforts to have the presiding judge removed from his case, filing a new affidavit to support the request.

Shawn “Mickey” Stines faces charges of first-degree murder and the murder of a public official in connection with the September 2024 shooting death of Kevin Mullins inside his chambers. The case is currently overseen by Christopher Cohron.

Stines’ defense team initially sought Cohron’s recusal in December 2025, citing concerns over potential bias. The motion referenced a video recorded about a week before Mullins’ death, showing Cohron and Mullins seated near each other during a Kentucky Judicial Commission of Mental Health meeting. Mullins’ widow was also reportedly present.

Attorneys argued that Cohron failed to disclose the extent of his proximity to Mullins during the meeting, raising questions about impartiality. The matter was forwarded to the Supreme Court of Kentucky, which later returned it to the Letcher County Circuit Court. The high court instructed that if Cohron recused himself, a replacement judge would be appointed, but if he denied the request, the defense could pursue further review.

In March 2026, Cohron denied the motion, stating he held no personal bias or prejudice and that no reasonable observer would question his ability to remain impartial. He also said his relationship with Mullins was strictly professional.

On March 31, Stines filed a new affidavit renewing his request. In the filing, he argued that evidence presented at trial would likely involve events discussed by Mullins in the meeting video, making it difficult for Cohron to remain unaffected due to his proximity to Mullins shortly before the incident.

Stines further contended that the judge’s prior professional interactions with Mullins could conflict with evidence presented during the trial. He asserted that a reasonable person could question Cohron’s impartiality, given their shared involvement in the same committee and physical proximity days before Mullins’ death.

The affidavit has been submitted to the Letcher County Circuit Court and is expected to be sent back to the state Supreme Court for further consideration.

 

 

Source: WJHL