The Kentucky sheriff accused of brazenly gunning down a judge in a courthouse now says he's stepping away from his badge — and calling it "retirement."
Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines has chosen to retire as of Monday, his attorney, Jeremy Bartley revealed, according to the Lexington Herald Leader.
Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear urged then-Sheriff Stines, 43, to step down, warning that he would initiate proceedings to remove him if he did not comply.
However, Stines' decision to retire "was not as a result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky," but rather to allow for a replacement to be appointed while he focuses on the charges, Bartley said.
Stines had served the community more than 22 years.
"He expresses his heartfelt appreciation and love for the support this community has given him and his family during his time in service," Bartley said.
The now-former Sheriff is charged with shooting Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, to death in his chambers in the county courthouse Sept. 15.
Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
A motive remains under investigation.
