The murder case involving a former television news anchor, Angeline “Angie” Mock, has been paused after a judge determined she is not mentally fit to stand trial. Mock, 47, appeared in Sedgwick County District Court in Kansas on Thursday, where Judge Jeffrey Gehring made the ruling.
Following the decision, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office announced that Mock would be admitted to a psychiatric hospital for further evaluation and treatment, resulting in the suspension of criminal proceedings during her treatment.
Mock faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the fatal stabbing of her mother, Anita Avars, who was 80 years old, on Halloween.
According to police, they received a call to the home in Wichita where Mock and Avars lived together around 7:50 a.m. on October 31. When officers arrived, they encountered Mock outside with a hand injury. Inside the home, Avars was discovered with multiple stab wounds and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The probable cause affidavit revealed that Mock was speaking to herself and expressed beliefs that her mother was the devil. Records also indicate that she told authorities she stabbed her mother “to save himself.”
Mock’s stepfather informed investigators that she had previously been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, and had experienced paranoia and depression. A neighbor reported that Mock approached them, bloodied, asking for help to call emergency services.
After receiving treatment for her injuries, Mock was arrested and remains in the Sedgwick County Jail, with bail set at $1 million. It’s worth noting that a finding of incompetence doesn’t lead to the dismissal of the case; the prosecution will continue once Mock is deemed competent to stand trial.
