A former television journalist once known for delivering the news is now at the centre of a deeply troubling criminal case. Nearly three months after an elderly woman was found stabbed to death inside her home, a Kansas court has ruled that the accused — her own daughter — is not mentally fit to stand trial at this time.
Former News Anchor Ruled Unfit for Trial
Angelynn “Angie” Mock, a former news anchor and reporter who previously worked in St. Louis, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her mother, Anita Avers. The killing allegedly happened on October 31, 2025, inside their home in Wichita.
According to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office, a court-ordered mental health evaluation concluded that Mock is currently not competent to stand trial. The findings were submitted to the court on January 15, 2026.
Based on the evaluation, the judge ordered that Mock be sent to Larned State Hospital for further evaluation and treatment, as required under Kansas law.
What the Court’s Decision Means
Prosecutors made it clear that this ruling does not end the case. Under Kansas law, criminal proceedings are paused — not dismissed — when a defendant is found mentally incompetent.
The district attorney’s office stated that the case will remain on hold until Mock is later found competent. Once that happens, the murder trial will continue in district court. Mock will remain in custody during this period and will not be released because of the competency ruling.
What Police Say Happened That Morning
Court documents paint a disturbing picture of the moments leading up to Anita Avers’ death. According to a probable cause affidavit filed by a detective with the Wichita Police Department, officers were sent to the home after Mock herself called 911.
She allegedly told the dispatcher that her mother tried to kill her, and she stabbed her in self-defence.
When officers arrived just before 8 a.m., they found Mock outside the home. She was bleeding and holding a towel. Inside the house, officers discovered the 80-year-old victim lying on her bed with multiple stab wounds to her head, face, and torso.
Police say several kitchen knives and a cheese grater were found next to the body, all covered in blood. The bedsheet reportedly had at least a dozen holes consistent with knife wounds.
Mock’s Statements to Investigators
According to the affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Mock gave officers several conflicting and alarming statements.
She claimed she went into her mother’s bedroom to talk and saw her sharpening knives. Mock alleged her mother then chased her through the house with a knife. At different points, Mock said she stabbed her mother to protect herself and later said she “had to kill her” because her mother would not stop.
Police also reported that Mock made bizarre claims, saying her mother was the devil and that she believed she was Jesus Christ. After her arrest, Mock was taken to a hospital and treated for cuts on both hands and her arm before being transported to the police station.
Family History and Mental Health Concerns
Anita Avers’ husband, Barry, told police that Mock had moved in with them four or five years earlier after losing her job due to what he described as an “explosive” incident involving alcohol.
Barry also told investigators that Mock had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which was later revised to schizoaffective disorder. He said she was prescribed medication but could not confirm whether she took it regularly.
He recalled Mock making strange statements in the past, such as claiming people were robots or not real. While she had angry outbursts, he said he never believed she would become violent.
What Happens Next
For now, the legal case is on pause while Mock undergoes treatment at Larned State Hospital. Doctors will later determine whether she is mentally capable of understanding the charges against her and assisting in her own defence.
