Terri Niner, 49, has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing her adult daughter, Ayla Mangan, 32, in the back with a collectible “short sword” during an argument at their home in Canton, Ohio, on July 10. The incident occurred when Niner grabbed the sword, which was hanging on a wall in the living room, amid a confrontation with her daughter.
According to police reports, Niner called 911 after the stabbing and described the altercation to the dispatcher, admitting that the argument, which she referred to as “over some dumb stuff,” escalated to violence.
When asked if she had cut her daughter, Niner allegedly said, “No, I grabbed the knife from her, and she went to throw herself backwards because she’s autistic. And when she went to throw herself backwards, it got her. And I thought it only cut her a little bit.”
Despite her claims, Mangan’s injuries were fatal, and the mother was charged with murder following the investigation. Niner’s husband, Francis Niner, is also facing an obstruction charge for allegedly withholding information from investigators in an attempt to protect his wife.
Francis Niner, who is Mangan’s stepfather, reportedly told police that the sword was part of his collection and was displayed in their home.
The Tragic Argument
The police report indicated that the argument between Niner and her daughter was not an isolated incident, as the mother allegedly mentioned previous disagreements.
Mangan, who was autistic and had the functional level of a 13-year-old, was reportedly thrown into a state of confusion and distress during the altercation, which led to the fatal injury.
Elise Hamilton, senior trial counsel in the Canton Law Department, highlighted the seriousness of the case during Niner’s bond hearing, acknowledging the tragedy that unfolded.
The Aftermath
Following the deadly incident, Niner was arrested on murder charges, and Francis Niner was charged with obstruction for allegedly providing false information to law enforcement. The Niners are due in court on July 16 for further proceedings.
The situation has stunned the community, and authorities have expressed concern about the nature of the relationship between the mother and daughter, especially given Mangan’s special needs.
Bond and Legal Process
Terri Niner’s bond was set at $500,000 during her bond hearing. The case remains under investigation, with authorities piecing together details from the night of the stabbing and the allegations against both Niners.
