Ex’Sheriff Accused Of Judge’s Murder May Seek Insanity Defense | EUROtoday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Prosecutors have requested a psychological analysis for a former Kentucky sheriff charged with gunning down a choose in a courthouse final 12 months after his attorneys stated they’ll argue he was emotionally disturbed on the time of the taking pictures.

The killing rocked the small Appalachian group of Whitesburg, the place residents knew Shawn “Mickey” Stines to be longtime pals with District Judge Kevin Mullins. Prosecutors have introduced a video in courtroom of a person police recognized as Stines pulling out a handgun and taking pictures Mullins at his desk on Sept. 19.

Prosecutors with the state legal professional common’s workplace filed a movement Monday asking the courtroom to permit a state physician to guage Stines’ declare “that he suffers, or has suffered, from a mental disease or defect or any other mental condition that bears on the issues of guilt and punishment.”

Investigators haven’t introduced a motive for the taking pictures. Earlier that day, the 2 males had met for lunch with a number of different individuals close to the courthouse, police stated.

Attorneys for Stines wrote in a movement earlier this month that they plan to current proof that the ex-lawman suffered from madness and “extreme emotional disturbance” on the time he allegedly shot Mullins. Stines’ attorneys stated they’d not increase the difficulty of whether or not Stines is mentally match to face trial.

“While further evaluation is needed to determine the extent of the mental health evidence ultimately presented, it is our strong belief that our client was operating under extreme pressure that significantly impacted his mental state,” Stines’ legal professional Kerri Bartley stated in an emailed assertion.

Stines stays jailed with out bond. At a January listening to, particular choose Chris Cohron stated he would take up the difficulty of Stines’ bond at a later listening to. He has pleaded not responsible to 1 rely of homicide of a public official and resigned days after the taking pictures.