SLAIN KENTUCKY JUDGE HAD NO PRIOR RELATIONSHIP WITH SHERIFF'S DAUGHTER BEFORE SHOOTING. (PHOTO).

 Slain Kentucky judge had no prior relationship with sheriff's daughter before shooting

New developments have emerged in the case of Kentucky Judge Kevin Mullins, who was fatally shot in his chambers by former Sheriff Shawn Stines. Investigators now say Mullins allegedly had no relationship with Stines’s underage daughter, contrary to earlier reports.

The shooting occurred in September 2024, when Stines entered Mullins’ office with a gun as security cameras captured the deadly encounter. Prosecutors charged Stines with murder. Initial speculation suggested Mullins was involved with Stines’ daughter, based on her phone number being found in his call log, and that Stines acted out of anger over the alleged relationship.

Grand jury transcripts reveal a different picture. Both Stine’s wife and daughter told detectives there was no relationship between Mullins and the daughter. Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that the daughter denied any contact with Mullins via social media, electronic devices, or in person, and Stines’ wife confirmed there was no relationship. Stamper also explained that the presence of the daughter’s phone number on Mullins’ phone was due to Stines calling his daughter using Mullins’ phone just seconds before the shooting, though it’s unclear if anyone answered.

Earlier reports had assumed the number indicated calls from Mullins, which fueled the supposed motive for the murder. Stines has pled not guilty to murdering a public official, and the case continues as authorities search for a clearer understanding of his motive.