A mother in Ohio is facing murder charges after allegedly stabbing her adult daughter with a collectible “short sword” that belonged to her husband. The tragic incident occurred last week during a heated argument, leaving 32-year-old Ayla Mangan dead.
Terri Niner, 49, is accused of fatally stabbing her daughter on July 10 in a dispute that escalated after she grabbed the weapon off the wall in the heat of the moment.
The Fatal Stabbing and 911 Call
According to police reports, Terri Niner called 911 shortly after the stabbing, claiming she didn’t mean to harm her daughter. In a conversation with a police dispatcher, Niner allegedly explained that the altercation with her daughter, who was autistic and had the functional abilities of a 13-year-old, had turned physical.
She stated that she grabbed the sword from the wall, and when her daughter attempted to throw herself backward, the blade struck her.
The dispatcher questioned her, asking, “Did you cut her?” to which Niner replied, “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, the police arrived to find Ayla Mangan had been fatally wounded. Authorities have since arrested both Terri and her husband, Francis Niner, who is facing an obstruction charge for allegedly withholding crucial information during the investigation.
Husband’s Involvement and Obstruction Charge
Francis Niner, 51, is accused of lying to investigators and trying to protect his wife by withholding information relevant to the investigation. Francis, who is Mangan’s stepfather, reportedly told police that he collects swords and displays them around the house. He stated that the sword used in the attack was hanging in the living room.
While Terri Niner faces a murder charge, her husband is charged with obstruction of justice for his actions after the incident. The charges have shocked the local community, with many struggling to understand how an argument could escalate to such deadly violence.
The Victim’s Autism and the Tragic Argument
Ayla Mangan was described by authorities as being autistic and functioning at the level of a 13-year-old. This detail adds a tragic layer to the story, as it raises questions about the nature of the arguments between mother and daughter and how they might have affected Ayla.
The family’s history of disputes, as mentioned in the 911 call, paints a picture of long-standing tensions that tragically culminated in violence.
During Terri Niner’s bond hearing, Elise Hamilton, senior trial counsel in the Canton Law Department, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, especially considering Ayla’s condition.
The case has raised concerns about the challenges of managing relationships with family members who have special needs, and the tragic consequences when those relationships break down.
The tragic death of Ayla Mangan serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of unresolved family conflict, especially when complicated by mental health or developmental conditions.
As Terri and Francis Niner await their court hearings, the community is left to grapple with the consequences of this senseless violence. The loss of Ayla has devastated her family, and the legal proceedings will continue to unfold as the investigation into the incident deepens.
