Former Kentucky Sheriff Seeks Judge Recusal, Citing Proximity to Victim at Conference

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Herald-Leader reported that former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is seeking the recusal of a special judge in his murder case. Stines, who is charged with the September 2024 shooting death of a judge inside the judge’s chambers, argues that Special Judge Christopher Cohron of Bowling Green may be biased.

Stines’ defense team asserts that Cohron’s impartiality is compromised due to his proximity to the deceased judge, Kevin Mullins, at a judicial conference held one week prior to the shooting. The conference, which took place on September 12, 2024, brought together judges from across Kentucky to discuss mental health issues. According to Stines’ lawyers, Cohron and Mullins were seated “inches apart” during a two-hour session where Mullins discussed his proposed “Women’s Dignity Law,” aimed at ensuring humane treatment for female inmates.

The defense argues that Cohron’s failure to disclose this interaction upon his appointment as special judge raises concerns about potential bias. They further contend that the conference and Mullins’ advocacy for women inmates could create confusion, given allegations that Mullins was aware of, or even involved in, the sexual exploitation of women within the Letcher County justice system.

Adding another layer of complexity, Stines’ lawyers highlight a “tense” deposition given by Stines just days before the shooting in a separate lawsuit. This lawsuit accused one of Stines’ deputies of sexually assaulting women in Mullins’ chambers. Stines’ attorney, Jeremy Bartley, has emphasized the importance of the deposition to his client’s defense.

Bartley urged Cohron to recuse himself or requested the Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court to remove Cohron from the case. Bartley stated that the high-profile nature of the case requires the “visual optics” to demonstrate complete impartiality.

Stines has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have indicated they will pursue an extreme emotional disturbance, or insanity, defense.

Source: Herald-Leader