The sheriff accused of killing a judge was arraigned Wednesday in Letcher County District Court.
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 43, was arraigned for a criminal charge of first-degree murder, according to the Kentucky Attorney General’s office.
Stines was arraigned virtually before a special judge from Carter County. He will next appear in court for a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The Kentucky State Police is investigating the case. Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele and Deputy Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit Ramsey Dallam will prosecute the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Supreme Court’s rule on trial publicity limits information the office can provide publicly.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.