New surveillance footage has emerged in the case of Kentucky Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, who fatally shot Judge Kevin Mullins in September. This footage captures a tense confrontation in the judge’s office, where Mullins is seen raising his hands in an effort to calm the situation and crouching down to protect himself. Despite Mullins’ attempts at de-escalation, Sheriff Stines fired eight rounds.

A report from the New York Post highlights that Stines and Mullins were longtime friends, having even shared lunch on the day of the incident, September 19. Shortly after Stines entered Mullins’ office to discuss a private matter, the gunfire erupted.

The newly released video shows the moments leading up to the tragic event. Mullins, seated at his desk, raises his hands in a sign of peace, but as he attempts to shield himself beneath the desk, Stines is seen firing multiple shots and repositioning himself for a better angle.

Following the shooting, Stines emerged from the office with his hands up, surrendering to court officers who arrived on the scene. He stated that someone was trying to kidnap his family. Stines was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder, to which he has pleaded not guilty. He has publicly announced his resignation from the sheriff’s office and is currently being held in custody.

Detective Clayton Stamper testified that Stines and Mullins had enjoyed a friendly lunch with colleagues before the incident, and there were no indications of tension. According to reports, Mullins had asked Stines if he needed to discuss something privately. Investigators also discovered that Mullins had Stines’ daughter’s phone number in his contacts, and he made several calls to her using both his and Mullins’ phones before the shooting.

As the investigation continues, police are actively seeking more witnesses and analyzing both men’s phones. Stines’ defense attorney has not commented on potential motives for the shooting, though some sources speculate a possible connection to a sexual scandal, with no specifics given.

Further reports suggest that the surveillance footage shows both men exchanging their phones and examining items on them prior to the confrontation that led to the shooting. Law enforcement officials stated they are considering all possible motives, including the possibility of a sexual scandal. “We don’t dismiss any potential motives,” they confirmed.