Denton Co. Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell injured, husband dies in stabbing

LEWISVILLE, Texas - The Lewisville Police Department is investigating a double stabbing that injured Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell and killed her husband, Fred, early Monday morning.

Denton County Commissioner, husband stabbed

What we know:

According to police, officers were called to the 1000 block of Springwood Drive just before 4 a.m. for a report of an assault.

When they arrived, they found Commissioner Mitchell and her husband had both been stabbed.

Police said the suspect was still there and was immediately taken into custody.

Both Commissioner Mitchell and her husband were taken to the hospital. Commissioner Mitchell underwent surgery and is expected to recover. Her husband, Fred, died at the hospital just after 5 a.m.

"Our wonderful mother, Bobbie J. Mitchell, is expected to recover from the tragic events that occurred this morning. We are very thankful for the outreach everyone has extended to us on behalf of our family. Our mother offers her blessings to all who have reached out. We will provide updates on a later date for the funeral service for our beloved father, Fred Mitchell," the Mitchell family said in a statement.

Suspect Arrested

What we know:

Lewisville Police Chief Brook Rollins said the suspect is 23-year-old Mitchell Blake Reinacher, who lived in the home with his grandparents.

The chief said someone in the house called 911, but he is not sure who made that phone call. That is part of the investigation.

The 911 call taker heard what they reported to be a struggle over the phone. Police were dispatched to the home at 3:53 a.m. and arrived at the scene at 3:58 a.m. The suspect was in custody at 3:58 a.m.

Chief Rollins said when the officers first arrived they could hear screaming coming from inside the home.

Reinacher was immediately taken into custody without incident, and he was cooperative with officers.

He is believed to have used a serrated kitchen knife in the attack, but his motive is still unknown.

Reinacher was booked into the Lewisville city jail, then transferred to the Denton County Jail. He faces charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held on a combined bond of $600,000.

Community Reacts

What they're saying:

"This is a deeply emotional moment for our city, and the Mayor and Chief will share official remarks regarding the investigation, the impact on our community, and the steps being taken moving forward," the Lewisville Police Department said.

"My dear friend, colleague and mentor Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell has suffered a huge tragedy this morning. I ask that you keep her and her family in your prayers as she recovers. Her beloved husband, Fred Mitchell, a longtime friend, will be greatly missed. Please honor their privacy as the family navigates this horrible tragedy," Denton County Judge Andy Eads posted on social media.

"Please join Leslie and me in prayer for Denton County’s most beloved public servant, Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell, as she attempts to recover from this attack while mourning the death of her husband, Fred," Representative Jared Patterson said.

During a news conference on Monday, Lewisville Mayor TJ Gillmore said Fred Mitchell will be greatly missed.

"Bobbie was one of the first people I went to speak to about running for any elected office. Her husband, Fred, when he showed up at events, he was very particular, much like my wife. If he showed up at an event, you knew that that was a big deal. Because he was very quiet but very supportive. So, he will be greatly missed," Mayor Gillmore said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement following the attack:

"Cecilia and I are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell’s husband, Fred Mitchell, after they were brutally attacked in their home this morning. I thank the Lewisville Police Department and other first responders for their quick response and for rushing Commissioner Mitchell to the hospital. Cecilia and I pray for Commissioner Mitchell as she recovers from her injuries and for Fred Mitchell's family and loved ones as they mourn his death."

What's next:

There is a vigil set for Monday night at the Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Who is Bobbie Mitchell?

Bobbie Mitchell currently serves on the Denton County Commissioners Court for Precinct 3, which is the Lewisville area.

She is also a former Lewisville City Council member and was the city’s first Black mayor, elected in 1993. She held the office until her resignation in January 2000 to run for her current county position.

According to Denton County, Commissioner Mitchell has lived in Lewisville since 1971. She and her husband, Fred, have two children and nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

LewisvilleCrime and Public Safety