Reykjavik murder trial hears details of Dublin-based family’s collective suicide plan

A murder trial in Reykjavik has begun, detailing the alleged collective suicide plan of a family living in Dublin. Ming Ting Mancel stands accused of murdering her daughter, Catherine, in a Reykjavik hotel, an act she claims was carried out in collaboration with her husband, Emeric Mancel, who also died that night.

Mancel, who had resided in Dublin with her family for nearly a decade, appeared in Reykjavik District Court. The court heard that the family flew to Iceland in early June 2025. On June 14th, police were called to the Reykjavik Edition hotel, where Mancel initially confessed to the killings, calling herself "a monster." She later altered her statement, attributing the stabbings to her husband.

During the proceedings, Mancel described the events of the night her husband and daughter died. She stated they had dinner and returned to their room before beginning the process of their deaths. According to her account, her husband stabbed their daughter, Catherine, once while Mancel held her hand. The court heard that Emeric Mancel then gave Catherine alcohol and tablets to "accelerate the process." After a pause, Catherine reportedly asked her father to stab her again, which he did. Marks on Catherine's neck and arms suggested a phone cord may also have been used to strangle her, though Mancel denied trying to free herself during the incident.

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to accelerate the process

Mancel also testified that her husband then stabbed her in the bathroom before stabbing himself, leading to his death. She then cleaned her daughter's face and contacted reception. The court learned that Emeric Mancel was suffering from severe renal insufficiency and was on dialysis, which impacted his ability to work. Mancel stated that her husband wanted to die before losing his autonomy and wished to travel one last time, leading to their decision to end their lives in Iceland. She described him as experiencing a nervous breakdown rather than depression.

The trigger for their decision, Mancel explained, was a letter from Emeric's sister accusing him of theft.

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He wanted to die before he lost everything, and while he could still decide. He had wanted to travel a last time.