A man in Kentucky has pleaded guilty to murdering his father and uncle in a case that included claims of long-term abuse.
Double murder case in Pulaski County
Brandon Mullins, 27, admitted to fatally shooting his father, Dennis “Ed” Mullins, 57, and his uncle, Anthony Mullins, 55, in May 2024.
Investigators said Mullins entered a trailer in Pulaski County and used a handgun to shoot both men before fleeing the scene. Their bodies were later found at a residence on Sandidge Spur Road in Eubank.
Plea deal avoids potential death penalty
Mullins had been facing two counts of murder and additional charges, but he accepted a plea agreement that will result in a 40-year prison sentence.
His attorneys had planned to argue that he was under extreme emotional disturbance, a defense they said stemmed from years of alleged abuse.
Abuse claims central to defense
According to pretrial testimony, Mullins alleged that he had been subjected to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse by the two men since childhood.
Defense attorneys said the alleged abuse played a key role in his mental state at the time of the killings.
However, prosecutors disputed those claims, arguing they were attempts to discredit the victims.
Case included witness testimony
During earlier court hearings, witnesses described alleged abuse involving multiple victims, including claims that Mullins was assaulted as a child.
Several legal motions had been planned ahead of trial to determine whether such testimony could be presented in court.
Sentencing scheduled
With the guilty plea entered, Mullins is expected to be formally sentenced in April.
His legal team said the outcome ensures he avoids a life sentence or the death penalty.