FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Attorneys for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines are asking a higher court to block a second mental health examination scheduled for Oct. 14.

In a petition for a writ of prohibition, Stines’ attorneys argue he has already undergone a court-ordered criminal responsibility evaluation through the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center.

The defense claims prosecutors have not identified any problems with the original examination and are instead seeking another evaluation because they disagree with the first examiner’s opinion.

A judge previously granted the Commonwealth’s request for another evaluation, finding the request reasonable and supported by good cause.

Stines’ attorneys argue requiring another examination would unnecessarily infringe on his Fifth Amendment rights. They are asking the court to vacate the order allowing the examination or, alternatively, allow the Commonwealth’s expert to review the existing KCPC materials without personally examining Stines.

Stines is charged with murder in the 2024 shooting death of Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins.