Lead county prosecutor Matt Butler described an outpouring of sympathy as he recused himself and his office from investigations in the shooting, citing social and family ties to Mullins.
“We all know each other here. … Anyone from Letcher County would tell you that Judge Mullins and I married sisters and that we have children who are first cousins but act like siblings," Butler said in statement from his office. “For that reason, among others, I have already taken steps to recuse myself and my entire office.”
Not to take away from the topic at hand, but is having the judge and prosecutor being brothers-in-law not considered a conflict of interest???
I believe that’s his stated reason (as noted in the text you quoted) for recusing himself and his entire office, no? Do you think that’s an inappropriate response to a clear conflict of interest?
Or were you referring to the previous situation, where a sitting judge and prosecutor were related? That seems like a valid point, though perhaps it’s easier to remain impartial in that case.
Yes, I meant as in all previous cases.
I know judges know all the lawyers and prosecutors due to working together, but the quote makes them sound much more bro-ish and that they spent much time together out of work.
If he was a public defender, I get that’s one thing, but a judge and prosecutor that chummy has to make it harder than normal to be the defendant.
I’m very surprised this is getting little coverage. Dude shot a judge in his chambers over an argument. That is some crazy shit.
I hope his lawyer has the gall to argue Qualified immunity when the inevitable civil trial occurs.
It needs to be argued. Might open doors for others to argue against it
So the judge has a history of sexual abuse claims and he allegedly raped the sheriffs 16 year old daughter?
No mention of that in the article. What is your source?
Huh? Source?
Maybe this one they will keep locked since it was a judge . Any body else he would be on paid leave for 1 week. Or something… dunno …
Is there a reason this judge looks absolutely PLASTERED in every pic I’ve seen of him regarding this case?
I’d be plastered all the time too if I was a judge in Whitesburg, Letcher County.
Touché
Could you imagine being sent to prison by Mr. Bean’s American cousin?
This comment came off really stupid sorry. It was a random thought I had and didn’t add to the discussion so I’ve edited it out
