New controversy surrounds the 2022 murder of rapper PnB Rock as family members made public accusations against his former girlfriend Stephanie Sibounheuang during a heated social media exchange Wednesday, reopening wounds in a case that shocked the hip-hop community.
The claims emerged during an Instagram Live session involving Rock’s daughter Milan and her mother. They questioned Sibounheuang’s actions during the fatal robbery at Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles in Los Angeles where Rock was killed.
Sibounheuang joined the livestream to defend herself, stating, “Teaching her I set her dad up is nasty work.” She has previously detailed her trauma from witnessing the shooting in several interviews with mental health advocacy groups.
The exchange comes months after three men were convicted in connection with Rock’s murder. Freddie Lee Trone received a 31-year sentence for ordering the shooting, while Tremont Jones got 12 years for providing information about Rock’s location. A third defendant, who was a minor at the time, was also convicted.
Los Angeles Police Department officials confirmed the case remains closed with all primary suspects convicted. “We thoroughly investigated all angles of this case,” said LAPD spokesperson Maria Rodriguez. “The evidence led to successful prosecutions of those responsible.”
Criminal defense attorney Marcus Thompson notes the danger of social media speculation in resolved cases. “Public accusations can have serious legal consequences, especially when they contradict established court findings,” he says. “Social media often becomes an outlet for unresolved grief and anger.”
Trauma specialist Dr. Rachel Chen sees this situation as increasingly common. “When families experience violent loss, social media can become a battlefield for processing grief. These public exchanges often mask deeper emotional wounds that require professional support.”
Rock’s death sparked industry-wide conversations about social media safety after investigators revealed his location was discovered through an Instagram post. Several prominent artists have since changed their practices regarding real-time location sharing.
“The industry learned hard lessons from this tragedy,” says music security consultant James Wilson. “We’ve seen a significant shift in how artists approach social media, particularly around location tagging and real-time posts.”
Record labels have implemented new safety protocols. Universal Music Group now provides social media security training for artists, while Sony Music expanded its artist protection services.
The incident’s impact extends beyond security measures. Streaming platforms report continued strong performance of Rock’s music, with monthly listeners exceeding 2 million. His label plans to release previously recorded music later this year, with proceeds benefiting his children.
Industry veteran Sarah Martinez notes the delicate balance labels face. “There’s huge demand for PnB’s unreleased music, but labels must consider family sensitivities and timing. These situations require careful navigation.”
Representatives for both families declined to comment on the social media exchange. Grief counselors note such public conflicts often reflect unresolved trauma following violent losses.
Mental health advocate Michael Brooks emphasizes the importance of professional support. “Social media can’t replace proper grief counseling. These public displays often indicate families need additional resources for healing.”
The hip-hop community continues monitoring the situation. Several artists have called for privacy and healing space for Rock’s family, while others advocate for increased mental health resources for families affected by violence.
Rock’s legacy extends beyond music through various foundation initiatives. The PnB Rock Foundation, established after his death, provides counseling services and educational support for families affected by gun violence in Philadelphia.
As the industry reflects on this situation, many hope it will lead to broader conversations about supporting artists’ families after tragedy and the role social media plays in processing grief.
