Canton Police have arrested and charged the mother and stepfather of a 30-year-old woman who died after being stabbed during an argument earlier this week.
Terri L. Niner, 49, has been charged with murder, felonious assault and domestic violence in connection to the July 10 stabbing death of her daughter, Ayla M. Mangan, police said in a press release Thursday. Niner is being held in the Stark County Jail.
The victim’s stepfather, Francis J. Niner, 52, was also taken into custody and charged with obstructing justice. He is also being held in the county jail.
Officers were called to 2327 20th St. NE around the time of the stabbing. When they arrived, they found paramedics providing life-saving efforts to Mangan in the backyard. She later died from her injuries.
According to a supplemental police report, Francis Niner told officers he was in his bedroom when he heard Ayla and Terri arguing. He said he then heard Terri in the backyard yelling for help. When he went outside, he found Ayla on the ground and Terri asking for a towel.
Francis said he retrieved a towel for Terri and later drove to retrieve oxygen for Ayla’s father, William Mangan, who had arrived at the scene.
Investigators noted a sword displayed in the living room. Francis told officers he collects knives and kept the sword on the wall.
Authorities have not released details on the weapon used in the stabbing or a motive.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144 or the Communications Center at 330-649-5800. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Tip411 or Stark County Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains ongoing.
