Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell was hospitalized and her husband, Fred Mitchell, was killed early Monday morning after a stabbing at their Lewisville home, police said.
Lewisville police responded around 3:53 a.m. Monday to a report of an assault in the 1000 block of Springwood Drive. When officers arrived, they found two adult victims — a male and a female — both suffering from apparent stab wounds.
The suspect, Mitchell Blake Reinacher, 23, identified as the victims’ grandson, was still at the scene and taken into custody without incident, police said.
Lewisville Fire Department personnel provided aid at the scene and transported the victims to local hospitals. Fred Mitchell was pronounced dead shortly after 5 a.m., authorities said. Bobbie Mitchell remains hospitalized in stable condition.
“Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell is out of surgery and expected to fully recover,” Lewisville Mayor TJ Gilmore posted on Facebook Monday morning.
In a press conference held by Lewisville PD on Monday, the department said they believe Reinacher was living with the the two victims in the residence where the incident took place. They also believe the call came from inside the residence, but can’t say who called.
The department said they have a few past reports on Reinacher, but didn’t share any specifics.
Commissioner Mitchell, a longtime public servant, currently represents Precinct 3 which includes the Lewisville/Flower Mound area and previously served as a Lewisville City Council member. She became Lewisville’s first black mayor in 1993, serving until 2000 when she resigned to run for county office.
Reinacher has been charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held in the Lewisville Jail. The crime scene remains active as investigators continue to process evidence and work to determine a motive.
The Lewisville Noon Rotary will hold two prayer vigils Monday for Mitchell — the first at 12 p.m. outside the Commissioner’s Court in Denton (1 Courthouse Dr.) and the second at 7 p.m. at Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville (900 Bellaire Blvd).
“The City is holding our Commissioner and her family close to our hearts,” Mayor Gilmore said in a statement. “We are grateful for the quick response from our Police, Fire, and the hospital staff who have taken great care of Commissioner Mitchell. If you’ve ever been at an event where Bobbie has prayed over you, please lift her and the family up as she has lifted our community.”
Denton County Judge Andy Eads posted: “I have known Bobbie and her beloved husband, Fred, since childhood, growing up in Lewisville. I have always appreciated Fred sharing Bobbie with the public all these 34 years. Fred will be greatly missed. Please join me in keeping Bobbie and her family in our thoughts and prayers. I want to thank everyone from across our County and the State of Texas for their abundance of calls and texts and best wishes for her complete recovery.”
“Bobbie is a truly kind and giving person, and she is loved by all,” Flower Mound Mayor Cheryl Moore said. “I hope that the outpouring of love from everyone can give them some comfort and uplift Bobbie and her family through this painful time.”
“Beth and I join our community in surrounding the Mitchell family in our love and unwavering support,” said State Senator Tan Parker. “Working alongside Bobbie in service to our community has been an extraordinary blessing, and her strength, grace and tireless dedication have made Denton County, and Texas, a better place for all of us.”
“Mindy and I are heartbroken by this morning’s tragic news,” said State Representative Ben Bumgarner. “We’re praying for strength and healing for the Commissioner, and for comfort and peace for her family as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father and remarkable man.”
The family of the commissioner released a statement in regard to the incident.
“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.”
Check back for updates.
