Kelly Ann Olivier Tinsley, 49, now confronts charges of manslaughter with a deadly weapon following the fatal stabbing of her elderly mother, Cheryl Maggard Meurer, 69. The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday, prompting Tinsley to dial 911 at 5:16 a.m., seven hours before authorities were notified.
Tinsley’s call to emergency services purported self-defense, alleging that her mother had attacked her, leading to a retaliatory act. However, doubts have emerged regarding the veracity of her account, according to Law and Crime’s report on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
Upon deputies’ arrival at 5:26 a.m., they discovered Meurer beneath a blanket on the floor, surrounded by a pool of blood. Forced entry exposed the lifeless victim, with first responders sadly declaring her dead.
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The arrest affidavit revealed Tinsley showing injuries on her legs and right hand, insisting they resulted from the alleged altercation with Meurer. Yet, law enforcement expressed skepticism as these injuries appeared inconsistent with defensive wounds caused by a knife.
Medical examiner findings on Meurer disclosed “multiple wounds consistent with defensive knife wounds” on her hands, left arm, right ankle, right knee, and neck, as detailed in documents.
Tinsley’s version of events, presented to investigators, narrates a series of events beginning on Monday night. Allegedly, her mother suggested finding a larger residence to be a better parent. Tinsley responded with a jest, but matters escalated when Meurer supposedly approached her with a knife, striking her in the mouth and causing the blade to hit her front tooth.
A struggle ensued, leading to both women falling to the floor. Tinsley claimed she held the knife to her mother’s neck, instructing her to cease the attack. The altercation persisted until Tinsley noticed a change in her mother’s eyes.
After the alleged struggle, Tinsley described changing her clothes in the laundry room, washing her hands and face with washing machine water, and covering her mother’s body with a blanket. Disturbed by the sight of blood, she lay down in the hallway and waited seven hours before contacting 911 to report the death.
The inconsistencies between Tinsley’s account and the evidence collected at the scene have prompted skepticism among law enforcement officials. The nature of the injuries on Meurer, combined with the absence of defensive wounds on Tinsley, raises questions about the validity of the self-defense claim.
Kelly Ann Olivier Tinsley now faces charges of manslaughter reclassified with the use of a deadly weapon, as investigators continue to unravel the details surrounding this tragic and mysterious case.
