CANTON, OH – An Ohio mother is facing murder charges after authorities allege she fatally stabbed her adult daughter with a collectible sword during a heated dispute in their Canton home last week.
Terri Niner, 49, was arrested Thursday after investigators say she called 911 to report the incident involving her daughter, Ayla Mangan, 32. According to authorities, Niner retrieved a display “short sword” from her wall during the confrontation, plunging it into her daughter’s back.
Emergency responders arrived at the residence following the distress call but were unable to save Mangan, who succumbed to her wounds at the scene. The sword, described as a collector’s item that belonged to Niner’s husband, was typically displayed in the family’s living room.
During the emergency call, Niner reportedly explained that the argument with her daughter escalated suddenly. She told the dispatcher she grabbed the sword, and claimed Mangan—who was autistic—fell backward onto the blade. Niner said she initially believed the injury was minor.
Authorities stated that Francis Niner, Terri’s husband and Mangan’s stepfather, is also facing charges. He allegedly withheld information during the investigation in an attempt to protect his wife, leading to an additional obstruction charge.
Police records indicate that Francis Niner collects and hangs various swords in the house, and the weapon used in the fatal encounter was one of these. Prosecutors allege Francis was not forthright with investigators, complicating efforts to quickly determine the circumstances of the case.
Elise Hamilton, a senior trial counsel with the Canton Law Department, emphasized the gravity of the allegations during Terri Niner’s bond hearing. Hamilton confirmed to the court that Mangan was autistic and functioned at the level of a young teenager.
Niner’s bond was set at $500,000, and both she and her husband are scheduled to appear in court on July 16. Officials have not disclosed whether Niner has entered a plea or if either defendant has secured legal representation.
Court records show this is not the first time disputes have erupted in the household, with Niner referencing previous fights in the 911 call. Investigators are continuing to review evidence and interview witnesses as they move forward with the homicide investigation.