Sheriff’s Daughter Defends Accused Father After Judge’s Courthouse Murder Sparks Online ‘Gossip’ Frenzy: Kentucky Police and Family Respond

LETCHER COUNTY, KENTUCKY — The teenage daughter of a former Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down a district judge is speaking out against the wave of online speculation surrounding her father’s high-profile case.

Lila Stines, the 18-year-old daughter of former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines, took to TikTok last week to condemn what she described as relentless “gossip” and exploitation of her family’s trauma.

“Do you all not have anything better to do than to sit and gossip?” Lila said in the viral clip, referencing the 2024 courthouse shooting that changed her life “forever.” She told her followers she wouldn’t discuss the case directly but criticized those turning the tragedy into “entertainment.”

Viral TikTok Calls Out True Crime Commentators

In her emotional post, Lila accused true-crime creators and TikTok commentators of cashing in on her family’s suffering for content and views.

“You’re taking my pain and making it your pleasure,” she said. “You’re taking our stories and turning them into big entertainment pieces, jokes. And for that matter, you’re making it your income.”

She ended the video by telling online spectators to “get a job” and “do something meaningful with your life,” saying people should contribute to society in a positive way instead of profiting from others’ tragedy.

Murder Case That Shook a Kentucky Courthouse

Her father, Shawn “Mickey” Stines, 44, was arrested in September 2024 and charged with first-degree murder in the killing of District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54.

According to Kentucky State Police, surveillance footage showed Stines entering Mullins’ chambers and fatally shooting the judge. The disturbing video — which was first played in Stines’ preliminary hearing — reportedly shows Stines pulling a gun, firing at the judge as he sat at his desk, then shooting him again after he fell to the floor.

Mullins was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The attack sent shockwaves through the Appalachian community where both men were well-known public officials.

Stines has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody while awaiting trial.

Community Divided as Case Gains National Attention

The courthouse shooting drew intense national scrutiny, with online true-crime communities dissecting every new development. Many of those same voices became the target of Lila’s frustration as she accused social media users of spreading unverified claims about her father.

While some viewers applauded her courage, others said her message appeared to deflect attention from the allegations. The video has sparked widespread debate about how social media handles high-profile criminal cases — and the toll such attention takes on victims’ families.

What do you think — do online true-crime creators go too far when covering real tragedies? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.