Wichita Therapist Fatally Stabbed by Daughter Inside Their Home on East Crowley Street
Wichita Therapist Fatally Stabbed by Daughter Inside Their Home on East Crowley Street
WICHITA, KANSAS — A quiet Wichita neighborhood was shattered Friday morning when police responded to a 911 call on East Crowley Street and discovered a horrifying scene inside a modest family home. The victim, 80-year-old Anita Avers, a respected licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, was found with multiple stab wounds in her bedroom. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Her daughter, 47-year-old Angelynn Mock, a former television news anchor known for her years delivering calm, measured reports to morning audiences, now stands accused of ending her mother’s life.
According to Wichita Police Department spokespersons, officers arrived at the residence just after 8 a.m. Friday, following a 911 call made by Mock herself. In that call, she reportedly told dispatchers that she had stabbed her mother “to save herself.” When officers arrived, they found Mock outside the home—her clothing and hands covered in blood, trembling and visibly distraught. Witnesses described her as “in shock,” sitting on the porch as first responders rushed inside.
Inside the home, investigators found Avers gravely wounded. She was still alive but unresponsive. Paramedics provided immediate medical attention before transporting her to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Neighbors say Avers had lived on East Crowley Street for decades and was known for her kindness and professionalism. “She was the kind of person you could talk to about anything,” said one neighbor. “She spent her whole life helping others work through conflict—it’s heartbreaking that her own life ended like this.”
Police took Angelynn Mock into custody at the scene without incident. She was later booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on a preliminary charge of first-degree murder. Investigators have not confirmed a motive, nor have they released details about what may have led to the fatal confrontation between mother and daughter.
What makes this case particularly haunting is the contrast between the two women’s lives and careers. Anita Avers, who practiced therapy for more than four decades, was known locally for her work in trauma recovery, family counseling, and conflict resolution. Former clients described her as deeply empathetic, someone who helped others find peace through compassion and self-awareness. “She taught people how to communicate better, how to love each other again,” said a colleague from her former clinic. “She believed that every relationship could heal.”
Her daughter, Angelynn Mock, once mirrored a similar sense of composure and empathy in her professional life. From 2011 to 2015, she worked as a morning anchor and reporter for FOX2 St. Louis, earning praise for her professionalism and warmth on camera. After leaving journalism, she transitioned into a career in data management consulting, eventually moving back to Wichita to live with her mother. Friends and coworkers described her as intelligent, articulate, and introspective—but also someone who had, in recent years, seemed increasingly withdrawn.
Neighbors reported no visible signs of tension between the two. One described them as “quiet people” who kept to themselves but were always polite. Police have yet to comment on whether there were prior domestic disturbance calls or a history of mental health struggles in the household.
The official police statement emphasized that investigators are examining every possible angle, including Mock’s mental state at the time of the stabbing. “It’s far too early to draw conclusions,” said Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay. “We’re gathering evidence, reviewing medical records, and waiting for autopsy results before determining motive or intent.”
Avers’ death has deeply affected the Wichita mental health community. Many of her former colleagues have spoken publicly about the loss of someone who spent her life advocating for emotional healing. “She gave so much of herself to others,” said one therapist. “To lose her in such a violent way feels unthinkable.”
As of Sunday morning, Angelynn Mock remains in custody without bond. Prosecutors are expected to review the case early next week to determine formal charges.
Behind the professional achievements and public roles lies a deeply personal tragedy—a mother who dedicated her life to helping others find peace and a daughter who, for reasons still unknown, ended that legacy in blood.
The Wichita Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crime. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the family’s recent history or possible warning signs to contact Crime Stoppers or local investigators directly.
For now, East Crowley Street stands quiet again, except for the makeshift memorial left outside the Avers home—flowers, candles, and notes of love for a woman whose compassion touched many, and whose death leaves a void that no therapy can heal.
