Teen Daughter of Former Sheriff Criticizes Internet Rumors

The 18-year-old daughter of a former sheriff in Kentucky is speaking out against online chatter surrounding her father’s accusations of murdering a local judge.

Laila Stines, daughter of ex-Letcher County Sheriff Sean “Mickey” Stines, expressed her frustrations on TikTok last week. This came after her father’s arrest in 2024 for allegedly shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, in a courthouse incident that startled the small community.

In her viral video, Laila shared, “A little over a year ago, on September 19th, many people’s lives, including mine, changed forever. I won’t elaborate, but really, don’t you have better things to do than gossip?”

Reports state that Stines, 44, was seen on security footage entering a courtroom and fatally shooting Judge Mullins in what has been described as an ambush. He faces murder charges and is currently awaiting his trial.

While Laila refrained from delving into the specifics of the case, she had quite a bit to say about those spreading rumors. “You’re taking my pain away and making it your joy,” she remarked. “You’re turning our story into some kind of entertainment or a joke.”

She urged those engaging in true crime discussions and TikTok commentary to “get a job” and contribute positively to society, questioning how exploiting her family’s tragedy became acceptable.

The reaction to Laila’s video has been mixed, with some viewers applauding her bravery while others suggested she was trying to distract from the serious nature of her father’s alleged actions.

Details about the shooting emerged during Stines’ preliminary hearing in October 2024, where footage was shared showing him confronting the judge in his chambers. The video portrayed a man, identified as Stines, drawing a weapon and shooting the judge multiple times.

Kentucky State Police confirmed that Judge Mullins died from multiple gunshot wounds. As for Stines, he has entered a not guilty plea regarding the first-degree murder charge.