Former News Anchor Declared Incompetent to Stand Trial for Mother’s Murder
A Kansas judge has ruled that Angelynn "Angie" Mock, a former television news anchor, is not mentally competent to face trial for the alleged murder of her mother. This development halts the legal proceedings as Mock has been ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
Why It Matters
The ruling raises critical questions about mental health, the legal system, and how they intersect in criminal cases. Mock’s case captures attention not only due to her former prominence in the media but also due to the severe nature of the allegations against her, highlighting issues of mental illness, family dynamics, and public safety.
Key Developments
- Competency Ruling: On Thursday, Judge Jeffrey Goering declared Mock unfit to proceed with her trial in Sedgwick County District Court, Kansas.
- Psychiatric Treatment: Mock has been ordered to a state psychiatric hospital for further evaluation and treatment, with criminal proceedings stayed until her mental fitness is assessed.
- Charges Filed: Mock faces a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of her mother, Anita Avers, 80, on Halloween.
- Incident Details: Police arrived at the scene to find Mock outside their shared home with injuries, while Avers was discovered inside with multiple stab wounds.
- Statements Made: A probable cause affidavit revealed that Mock had made alarming statements indicating she believed her mother posed a threat to her, stating she stabbed Avers "to save herself."
- Background: Mock has a prior diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and reportedly struggled with delusions and depression.
Full Report
Incident Overview
Angelynn Mock was arrested following a tragic incident on October 31, when police received a call about a stabbing in Wichita, Kansas. Authorities reported that Mock was found outside her home with visible cuts on her hands. Inside the residence, they discovered her mother with severe stab wounds, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Statements and Behavior
During police interviews, Mock reportedly expressed that she believed her mother was the devil and made unsettling comments to herself. These revelations raise serious concerns about her mental state at the time of the incident.
Legal Proceedings
After the ruling on Mock’s competency, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office clarified that this decision does not dismiss the charges nor lead to Mock’s release from custody. She remains in jail with a bond set at $1 million, pending further examination of her mental health.
Context & Previous Events
Mock, 48, previously worked as a news anchor in St. Louis from 2011 to 2015 and has also held positions in Oklahoma City. At the time of her arrest, she was employed in sales for a data management software company. Mock’s stepfather informed investigators about her mental health history, including her past diagnosis and episodes of delusion and depression.
The outcome of this case may have broader implications on how the legal system handles defendants with significant mental health issues, especially in cases involving violent crimes.
