In June 2025, the Mancel family left their apartment in Leopardstown in south Dublin, headed to Dublin Airport and flew to Reykjavik. They checked into the luxury Edition hotel for what appeared to be a weeklong holiday for husband Emeric Mancel (57), wife Ming Ting and their 29-year-old daughter, Catherine.
But on the day they were due to fly home, Emeric and Catherine were found dead from stab wounds in the hotel.
The family, who are believed to have agreed a murder-suicide pact that went wrong, were originally from New Caledonia – a French island territory in the southwest Pacific Ocean – and had lived in Ireland since 2017.
They lived a reclusive life in Dublin – only one photograph has been found of father and daughter – but now some details have emerged about their lives.
READ MORE
Ming Ting told police her husband was seriously ill and that there was an inheritance issue in the family.
Shortly after the grim discovery in the hotel, Ming Ting was arrested and she is now facing a murder charge over the killing of her daughter Catherine. Her husband is suspected of assisting in their daughter’s death.
Reykjavik-based Irish journalist Karen McHugh explains this most troubling case, including the inheritance issue; how Ming Ting changed her story and why she is being allowed to live freely in the Icelandic capital while she awaits trial.
NOTE: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which some listeners may find upsetting.
For support: Samaritans on freephone 116 123 or text HELLO to 50808. Pieta freephone: 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444. Or visit yourmentalhealth.ie
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
