Case on Hold for Former TV News Anchor

The murder trial involving a former TV news anchor accused of killing her mother is currently paused after a judge determined she isn’t mentally fit to face charges.

On Thursday, Angeline “Angie” Mock, 48, was in Sedgwick County District Court in Kansas when Judge Jeffrey Gehring ruled her mentally incompetent for trial.

Following this decision, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announced that Mock has been admitted to a state psychiatric facility for evaluation and treatment, leading to the suspension of criminal proceedings.

Mock faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the stabbing death of her 80-year-old mother, Anita Avars, on Halloween.

Authorities reported that police were called to their shared Wichita home around 7:50 a.m. on October 31. Upon arrival, officers found Mock outside with a wound on her hand.

Inside, Avars was discovered with multiple stab wounds and was taken to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The probable cause affidavit mentions that Mock spoke to herself and expressed beliefs that her mother was the devil.

Records show that Mock allegedly informed authorities she had stabbed her mother “in self-defense.”

As indicated by court documents, Mock’s stepfather told investigators that she had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, along with experiencing paranoia and depression.

A neighbor also recounted seeing Mock approach a parked car with blood on her hands and body, seeking assistance to call 911.

At the time of her arrest, Mock, who had previously worked as a morning news anchor at both KTVI in St. Louis and KOKH in Oklahoma City from 2011 to 2015, was employed in sales for a data management software company.

While a finding of incompetence pauses the case, it does not dismiss the charges or result in the defendant’s release; proceedings will continue if Mock is later deemed competent to stand trial.