Kentucky Sheriff’s Daughter Slams Online “Gossip” After Father Accused of Killing Judge Inside Courthouse
LETCHER COUNTY, KENTUCKY — The 18-year-old daughter of a former Kentucky sheriff charged with gunning down a district judge is speaking out online, calling out what she describes as harmful rumors, speculation, and “gossip” circulating about her family following the high-profile courthouse killing.
Daughter of Shawn “Mickey” Stines Fires Back on TikTok
Lila Stines, daughter of former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, posted a now-viral TikTok criticizing the wave of online commentary surrounding her father’s arrest for the 2024 killing of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54.
Without directly naming the case, Lila expressed frustration with people using the tragedy for entertainment.
In her video, she said:
“Do you all not have anything better to do than to sit and gossip?”
She also accused online creators of exploiting her family’s pain:
“You are taking my pain and making it your pleasure. You’re taking our stories and turning them into big entertainment pieces, jokes.”
Lila went on to call out true-crime content creators who profit from video views and reactions.
“You’re making it your income. Since when did that become OK? Get a job. Do something meaningful with your life.”
The Judge’s Killing Shook an Appalachian Community
The murder of Judge Kevin Mullins stunned the small Appalachian community last year. According to police, security footage captured Shawn Stines, 44, storming into Mullins’ chambers on September 19, 2024, before pulling a gun and shooting the judge multiple times.
During a preliminary hearing, surveillance footage showed the man believed to be Stines firing at Mullins as he sat at his desk, then walking around the desk and firing again while the judge lay on the floor.
Kentucky State Police confirmed Mullins died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Stines pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and remains in custody awaiting trial.
Online Reaction to Daughter’s Video Split Between Support and Criticism
Lila’s emotional video sparked a fierce response online. Some viewers praised her for defending her family amid overwhelming scrutiny.
Others argued she was trying to deflect attention from the seriousness of the charges against her father.
The case continues to generate widespread interest due to the dramatic nature of the killing, the involvement of a sitting judge, and the suspect’s position as a former sheriff.
As Kentucky prepares for the next phase of this high-profile murder case, the conversation around online commentary and victim awareness continues to unfold. For ongoing updates on court proceedings, crime developments, and community reactions across Kentucky, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.