Angelynn “Angie” Mock, 47, a former television news anchor, was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder for stabbing her 80-year-old mother on October 31, 2025. This shocking event took place in a calm neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, leaving its residents in a state of disbelief.
Police officers responded to a distress call reporting a stabbing incident at around 7:52 a.m. at a residence in South Wichita. Upon their arrival, they found Mock outside the premises with lacerations on her hands. Her mother, Anita Avers, was discovered inside, unresponsive in bed with multiple stab wounds.
Her mother, Anita Avers, was discovered inside, unresponsive in bed with multiple stab wounds. According to the probable cause affidavit, officers discovered multiple kitchen knives and a cheese grater laid out on a pillow near the victim’s body.
Avers, a professional marriage and family therapist, was quickly transported to a nearby hospital. Regrettably, she was declared dead at 8:26 a.m., according to Sedgwick County police reports.
Alyssa Castro, a neighbor, reported that Mock, bloodied, approached her car and asked her to dial 911. She used Castro’s boyfriend’s phone to contact emergency services, during which she informed the dispatchers that she had stabbed her mother in self-defense. This information was later relayed to local news outlets by Sedgwick County dispatchers.
Reflecting on the chilling encounter, Castro stated that Mock appeared terrified. Despite the horrifying circumstances, Castro expressed relief that she could offer assistance, though the incident greatly unsettled the neighborhood.
Following treatment for her injuries, Mock was held at the Sedgwick County Jail under charges of first-degree murder.
As a former morning news anchor at KTVI Fox 2, St. Louis, from 2011 to 2015, Mock’s involvement in this case attracted significant attention. After leaving the broadcasting industry, Mock transitioned to a career in sales. Before her arrest, she was employed in data management software sales.
The crime happened at the residence shared by Mock and her mother, Avers, a well-regarded marriage and family therapist.
The gruesome nature of the crime, coupled with Mock’s public profile as a former TV anchor, generated significant interest locally and nationally. The incident sharply contrasted with Mock’s former image as a trusted news anchor in key Midwest markets.
A probable cause affidavit released in November revealed concerning details about Mock’s mental health history. According to the affidavit, she experienced delusions and depression, including instances when she perceived her family members as “robots” and “not real people.”
Mock informed investigators that she believed she was acting in self-defense when she stabbed her mother. However, her narrative fluctuated during questioning. Judge Jeffrey Goering ordered a competency evaluation for Mock on November 14 to ascertain her ability to stand trial. Her preliminary hearing is on hold pending the evaluation results.
On January 16, 2026, Judge Jeffrey Goering ruled that Mock is not mentally fit to stand trial. Following this decision, Mock was sent to a state mental hospital for further assessment and treatment, and the criminal proceedings have been paused while she receives treatment.
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office clarified that a ruling of incompetency does not dismiss the case or lead to the defendant’s release. The case will proceed if Mock is later found competent to stand trial.
Court documents confirmed that Mock is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. She remains charged with first-degree murder in connection with her mother’s death. However, the case is effectively on hold indefinitely until her mental health status improves enough for her to participate in her defense.