The outcome of the sheriff's defense in the judge murder case may hinge on a deposition given in a separate case: report.

On Monday, former Letcher County, Kentucky Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines pleaded not guilty for the murder of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, which occurred in the same courthouse where Stines shot Mullins in September.

On Monday, Attorney Jeremy Bartley stated that Stines has a strong defense prepared to explain the shooting of his longtime colleague in his office, according to the Courier-Journal.

The sheriff's deposition in a sex abuse-related lawsuit earlier that month is undoubtedly significant in this case, as Bartley stated in the newspaper.

"Bartley stated after Monday's five-minute court proceedings, "I believe that is a piece. This story, which is challenging to tell in some ways, is large. We will provide a more complete version as we proceed through the judicial process.""

Jackie Steele, the prosecuting attorney, declined to comment on whether the deposition played a role in the shooting, but stated that he does not anticipate Stines being charged with anything beyond the murder of a public official. Steele also mentioned that it is too early to determine if the death penalty will be pursued in the case.

A lawsuit was filed by two women, one of whom claimed that Letcher County deputy Ben Fields coerced her into performing sexual acts in the same judge's chambers where the shooting occurred, despite the absence of cameras. The woman, who was under house arrest, alleged that the deputy repeatedly sexually assaulted her for six months in exchange for avoiding jail time.

The lawsuit against Stines alleges "deliberate indifference" in failing to properly train and supervise Fields, who was convicted on state charges and spent time in jail. The litigation is still pending.

The lawyers representing the plaintiffs in that case stated that Stines' deposition took place over several hours and they were taken aback by the shooting, as reported by the Courier-Journal.

One of the lawyers representing the plaintiff, Ned Pillersdorf, stated that he has heard differing opinions about whether the deposition is linked to the Sept. 19 shooting. He added that his co-counsel conducted the deposition and remembered Stines exhibiting an "unusual attitude" during the entire session.

On Monday, Stines was denied bond. Bartley stated that they intended to submit a motion for adversarial bond, but told the outlet that it was "unlikable" to succeed.

Judge Julia H. Adams, who was appointed as a special judge in Stines' case, stated that she did not grant the former sheriff bond after careful consideration, emphasizing the capital offense charge as a crucial factor in her decision.

On Sept. 25, Stines pleaded not guilty. He formally resigned as sheriff at the end of September after receiving a letter from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky General Counsel S. Travis Mayo urging him to do so. He is currently being held at Leslie County Jail, police said.

It is still unclear what motivated the former sheriff to pull the trigger.

According to the Courier-Journal, Det. Clayton Stamper testified at the preliminary hearing that the two men had shared a meal with a group prior to the shooting.

Stines tried calling his daughter on his own phone and then on Mullins' phone, as stated by Stamper.

The two cellphones were seized by our investigators and are currently being analyzed, as previously stated by Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart to the Daily Mail.

The Associated Press reported that Stamper testified, "I was told that the judge made a statement to Mickey about, ‘Do we need to meet private in my chambers?'"

Stamper stated that it is possible, but he is not certain, if Stines was motivated to shoot Mullins based on what he saw on the judge's phone.

"Stamper stated that he spoke to him, but he did not mention anything regarding the reason for the occurrence, according to the AP. However, he remained composed, and his only response was, "Treat me fairly.""

Stines was arrested and reportedly claimed that his wife and child were being kidnapped, according to Stamper.

Bartley previously stated to People that the shooting was not premeditated and happened during a moment of intense emotion.

Bartley stated that the highest level of responsibility should be manslaughter, considering the partial defense of extreme emotional distress.

The shooting in Whitesburg has caused a stir in the community of Letcher County, Kentucky, where Stines previously worked as a bailiff in Mullins' court before being elected sheriff in 2018.

"Garnard Kincer Jr., a friend of Mullins and former mayor of Jenkins, told People that everyone is in shock over the incident. The news has left them immobile and in disbelief."