A former glamorous TV news anchor, who was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial for the brutal stabbing death of her 80-year-old mother, has sparked outrage as justice is delayed indefinitely while she undergoes psychiatric treatment instead of facing accountability in court.

Halloween Morning Turns Deadly in Wichita

Wichita Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 7:51 a.m., where Angelynn “Angie” Mock reported a stabbing in the 1500 block of East Crowley. Officers arrived within minutes to find Mock outside the residence, waving for help with visible cuts on her hands and blood covering her clothing. Inside the home, they discovered her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avers, unresponsive with multiple stab wounds to her upper body. Avers was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 8:26 a.m. Mock received treatment for minor hand cuts and was released the same day before being arrested that afternoon.

Self-Defense Claims Collapse Under Scrutiny

Mock told responding officers and a neighbor that she stabbed her mother in self-defense, claiming Avers had tried to kill her first. She later made bizarre statements about needing to “save herself from the devil.” Crime analyst Nancy Grace questioned the plausibility of these claims, asking how anyone could credibly claim self-defense against an 80-year-old woman. The forensic evidence painted a starkly different picture: Mock sustained only minor cuts on her hands while her elderly mother suffered multiple fatal stab wounds. Investigators discovered bloodied kitchen knives and even a cheese grater at the scene, suggesting a prolonged and brutal attack rather than a defensive struggle.

Evidence Points to Premeditation

The $1 million bond set by Sedgwick County Court indicated prosecutors viewed this as a premeditated crime rather than a spontaneous act of violence. Reporter Briana Whitney noted that the high bond reflected the severity and calculated nature of the alleged offense. Mock’s ability to exit the home, call 911, and flag down neighbors undermined her self-defense narrative. The injuries were “diametrically opposed,” as forensic psychologist Karen Stark observed—minor defensive wounds on the accused versus catastrophic fatal injuries on the victim. Mock was formally charged with first-degree murder on November 4-5, 2025, with an initial hearing scheduled for November 14.

Mental Incompetence Ruling Delays Justice

Following a psychiatric evaluation, a Sedgwick County judge ruled Mock mentally incompetent to stand trial, effectively pausing criminal proceedings indefinitely. This determination means Mock cannot be prosecuted while she is deemed unable to understand the charges against her or to assist in her own defense. She was committed for psychiatric treatment with the possibility of future restoration to competency. This outcome raises concerns about accountability and justice for Avers’ family, as there is no guarantee Mock will ever be restored to face trial. If she remains unprosecuted, she could face civil commitment rather than criminal punishment, allowing a brutal killing to go unprosecuted despite overwhelming evidence.

The case highlights troubling questions about mental health defenses in clear-cut homicide cases where evidence overwhelmingly contradicts the defendant’s narrative. While genuine mental illness deserves compassionate treatment, the system must also ensure justice for victims and their families. Mock’s former career as a well-known St. Louis television anchor adds another layer to this tragedy, demonstrating that professional success offers no immunity from personal demons or accountability for criminal acts. The Wichita community and Avers’ surviving family members are left waiting for a resolution while Mock receives treatment that may or may not restore her to competency.

Sources:

Former TV news anchor charged for allegedly stabbing mother to death: Court records

TV news anchor charged with killing mother deemed mentally unfit to stand trial

Former news anchor accused of killing mother incompetent for trial, judge rules