WICHITA, Kan. — A former Fox News anchor has been charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of her 80-year-old mother, a tragedy that unfolded on Halloween morning and has left a community in shock. Angelynn Mock, 45, who once graced television screens in St. Louis, was found covered in blood outside her mother's home, according to police reports, leading to a swift arrest and charges that could upend her life.
The incident occurred in the early hours of October 31 in the 1500 block of East Crowley Street, where Wichita police responded to a 911 call at approximately 7:52 a.m. Officers arrived to find Mock outside the residence, visibly injured and bloodied. Inside, they discovered Anita Avers, Mock's mother, unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds. Avers was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after, authorities said.
Mock, who has a background in broadcast journalism and sales, was also taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries before being taken into custody. On Tuesday, the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office formally charged her with first-degree murder. She is being held in Sedgwick County Jail on a $1 million bond, with her next court hearing scheduled for November 14.
A neighbor, Alyssa Castro, provided a chilling account of the morning's events to local media. She described how Mock approached her vehicle, her hands and body covered in blood, desperately asking for help. "There was a woman who approached our vehicle with like blood, her hands were filled, her body was filled with blood, asking to call 911," Castro told KAKE News. Castro said Mock used her boyfriend's phone to dial emergency services before running back into the house. "I asked her if she was okay, and she was pretty shaken up and seemed scared," Castro added. "She just ran off." Officers later returned the phone to the couple.
The Wichita Police Department released a statement detailing the response. "At approximately 7:52 a.m. on October 31, officers responded to a reported cutting at a residence in the 1500 block of East Crowley," the media release stated. "Upon arrival, officers located the suspect outside the home. Inside the residence, officers found Anita Avers unresponsive in her bed with multiple stab wounds." The statement confirmed that first responders attempted to save Avers, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Anita Avers was well-known in Wichita as a licensed marriage and family therapist at Wichita Counseling Professionals. Friends and clients have come forward to remember her as a compassionate figure dedicated to helping others through difficult times. Alexandra Brewer, one of Avers' clients, shared her grief with KAKE News. "She was just very warm, very loving, and had a way of making you feel compassionate towards yourself," Brewer said. "She was there for you. I just wish everyone could see that part of Anita, not just this tragic ending."
Mock's professional life paints a picture of a driven individual who transitioned from journalism to sales. According to her LinkedIn profile, she earned a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and Speech Communication, with a focus on Television Broadcasting, from St. Cloud State University. She was an active member of the Society of Professional Journalists during her time there.
Her broadcasting career spanned more than a decade, with a notable stint at KTVI Fox 2 in St. Louis, Missouri, from March 2011 to February 2015. During that period, Mock served as a morning anchor, primetime reporter, and fill-in evening anchor. After leaving television news, she moved into business and technology sales roles. She worked as a Software Sales Account Manager at CrossChx and later as a Regional Sales Manager at Security Card Services.
Since 2019, Mock has been employed as a Data Management Consultant at Imaging Office Systems, where she sells software and cloud-based solutions aimed at streamlining company workloads and improving productivity. Her profile emphasizes her skills in team leadership, client relationship management, communication strategy, and business development.
Beyond her career, Mock was involved in volunteer work, serving as an emcee for organizations like the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer's Association. She helped raise awareness and funds for women's heart health and Alzheimer's research, focusing on advocacy, public engagement, and promoting healthier lifestyles for women.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the alleged attack, and the investigation remains ongoing. During Mock's initial court appearance last week, she was read her charges and ordered held on the $1 million bond. The case has drawn attention due to Mock's public profile, but police have emphasized that the probe is proceeding methodically.
The community response has been one of disbelief and sorrow, particularly among those who knew Avers through her therapy practice. Her work as a therapist touched many lives, offering support in areas like marriage counseling and family dynamics. The loss has prompted tributes from clients and colleagues, highlighting the stark contrast between her nurturing role and the violent end she reportedly met.
As the case moves forward, legal experts note that first-degree murder charges in Kansas carry severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment without parole if convicted. Mock's defense team has not yet commented publicly, but the upcoming November 14 hearing could provide more details on the proceedings. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence from the crime scene, witness statements, and any forensic findings.
This incident adds to a growing list of high-profile cases involving former media personalities facing serious charges, raising questions about mental health, family dynamics, and the pressures of public life. While no direct links have been established, advocates for mental health awareness point to the importance of support systems, especially in the wake of such tragedies.
In the broader context, Wichita has seen its share of violent crimes, but this case stands out due to the familial connection and the victim's standing in the community. As investigations continue, residents are left grappling with the details, hoping for clarity and justice in the days ahead.