• Chambers of Secrets: The Murder of Judge Kevin Mullins

  • By: True Crime Today
  • Podcast

Chambers of Secrets: The Murder of Judge Kevin Mullins

By: True Crime Today
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  • Summary

  • Delve into the intricate and unsettling case of Judge Kevin Mullins' murder in Letcher County, Kentucky—a story that intertwines justice, betrayal, and scandal. This podcast provides an in-depth investigation into the events of September 19, 2024, when Judge Mullins was fatally shot in his chambers, allegedly by Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines, a longtime friend and colleague. We explore the complex relationship between Mullins and Stines, tracing their history from courtroom collaborators to the tragic confrontation. Through comprehensive analysis and exclusive interviews, we uncover the alleged sex-for-favors scandal within the courthouse, including claims that Judge Mullins' chambers were misused for illicit activities. The podcast also investigates the legal proceedings leading up to the incident, including a federal lawsuit involving a deputy under Sheriff Stines' command, and how these events may have influenced the fatal encounter. Join us as we navigate the murky waters of this case, seeking to understand the motives, implications, and the profound impact on the local community. This series offers a comprehensive exploration of a tragic event that has left a lasting mark on the justice system in Letcher County.
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Episodes
  • The Judge, The Sheriff, and the Chamber of Secrets

    The Judge, The Sheriff, and the Chamber of Secrets
    Mar 26 2025
    The Judge, The Sheriff, and the Chamber of Secrets The former sheriff says he didn’t murder the judge—his mind did. That’s the opening line now being argued in a Kentucky courtroom, where former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines stands accused of shooting and killing District Judge Kevin Mullins inside his chambers. This wasn’t some cold, calculated act, his defense insists—it was a mental break, triggered by fear, stress, and a small-town scandal that just might make your jaw hit the floor. Let’s get one thing straight up front: the entire incident was caught on video. Stines walked into Judge Mullins' office and fired eight shots. That much is undisputed. But what followed is where things get messy—and deeply unsettling. Stines has pleaded not guilty, and now his attorney, Jeremy Bartley, is laying the groundwork for an insanity defense, saying the ex-sheriff suffered from a mental disease or defect, and was also under "extreme emotional disturbance" when he pulled the trigger. Basically, the defense isn’t arguing about what happened—it’s arguing about why. And that “why” has roots in something dark. A few days before the shooting, Stines gave a deposition in a case involving one of his former deputies, Ben Fields. That guy? He’d been accused of coercing female inmates into sex—in exchange for staying out of jail. Think "Orange is the New Black," but way less scripted and way more disturbing. One of the accusers, Sabrina Adkins, claimed that she was forced to have sex with Fields for six months… inside the judge’s chambers. Yeah, the same room where the murder would later take place. According to Bartley, Stines’ deposition forced him to answer some very uncomfortable questions about all of it. And afterward, the sheriff allegedly felt like his entire world was closing in—that his testimony had painted a target on his back. He supposedly feared that the fallout from the deposition would threaten not just his job or reputation, but the lives of his wife and daughter. That’s not just legal strategy fluff, either. When police arrested Stines after the shooting, he reportedly shouted: “They’re trying to kidnap my wife and kid!” Clearly, in his mind, something had gone very, very wrong. It’s worth noting that the judge, Kevin Mullins, wasn’t just some random guy in a robe to Stines. They were close—friends, even. They’d known each other since 2009, when Stines served as Mullins’ courtroom bailiff. Over the years, they became lunch buddies, often grabbing wings at the Streetside Grill & Bar down the street from the courthouse. On the day Mullins died, the two had lunch together—same order, same table, same casual vibe. Then, hours later, Stines entered his office and shot him. Prosecutors say the shooting seemed to come out of nowhere. But now investigators are digging into another possible motive: jealousy or betrayal. It’s been suggested that Stines may have seen his daughter’s phone number in Mullins’ phone, which allegedly sent him into a tailspin. Surveillance footage shows Stines trying to call his daughter from his phone—and then using the judge’s phone, too. What exactly he saw on that screen remains unclear, but the implication is that whatever he discovered set him off. CCTV from the courthouse showed Mullins raising his hands in fear, hiding behind his desk, as Stines raised his gun. The whole thing, horrifying as it is, unfolded in seconds. But it was built on years of what the defense claims was accumulating psychological pressure. Now, Stines’ legal team is leaning hard into the mental health defense. They say they’ll present expert evidence showing that he wasn’t legally responsible for his actions. Bartley says there's even more evidence out there—though he’s keeping it close to the chest for now—that could prove Stines’ state of mind was so fractured, he shouldn't be held criminally liable. Meanwhile, the larger scandal casts a long shadow. The sex-for-favors scheme tied to Deputy Fields and possibly Judge Mullins has not gone away. Accuser Sabrina Adkins didn’t just name Fields—she claimed Mullins had videotapes of “sexual stuff” happening in his chambers. Mullins never responded to the allegations before his death, and the tapes, if they exist, haven’t surfaced publicly. Fields, for what it’s worth, was fired by Stines before being arrested and sentenced to six months behind bars. But that did little to erase the cloud of controversy over the courthouse—and now, it's all tangled up in a murder trial. So here we are: a former sheriff who says he lost his grip on reality, a respected judge dead in his own office, and a community unraveling under the weight of buried secrets. What started as a tight-knit town’s tragic loss has become a psychological crime drama no one saw coming—and no one will forget. #LetcherCounty #KevinMullins #ShawnStines #CourthouseScandal ...
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    12 mins
  • Sheriff Stines Faces Life in Prison Will The Jury Believe His Insanity Plea-WEEK IN REVIEW

    Sheriff Stines Faces Life in Prison Will The Jury Believe His Insanity Plea-WEEK IN REVIEW
    Mar 15 2025
    Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

    Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
    Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
    Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
    The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    14 mins
  • Did Sheriff Stines Kill to Silence Judge Mullins, Or To Stop Him From Harming Others?-WEEK IN REVIEW

    Did Sheriff Stines Kill to Silence Judge Mullins, Or To Stop Him From Harming Others?-WEEK IN REVIEW
    Mar 15 2025
    Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

    Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
    Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
    Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
    The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins

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