Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell is recovering in the hospital after being stabbed in a violent domestic assault early Monday that left her husband, Fred Mitchell, dead. The couple's 23-year-old grandson, Mitchell Blake Reinacher, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to Lewisville police.
Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault at approximately 3:53 a.m. at the couple's residence on Springwood Drive in Lewisville, Texas. Upon arrival, police discovered both Bobbie and Fred Mitchell with multiple stab wounds. Fred Mitchell was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 5 a.m. Commissioner Mitchell was also hospitalized and remains in stable condition.
Reinacher, a resident of Lewisville, was found at the scene and taken into custody "immediately" and "without incident," police said. Authorities have not released a possible motive for the attack. The crime scene remains active as detectives continue processing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
Mitchell, a longtime public servant and the commissioner for Denton County's Precinct 3, made history in 1993 when she became Lewisville's first Black mayor. She previously served on the Lewisville City Council and stepped down as mayor in 2000 to pursue her current county role. She has lived in Lewisville since 1971 and is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
"My dear friend, colleague and mentor Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell has suffered a huge tragedy this morning," Denton County Judge Andy Eads wrote in a Facebook post. "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."
Texas State Representative Jared Patterson also shared condolences, writing, "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."
Reinacher is currently being held in the Lewisville jail. The Lewisville Police Department has stated that further updates will be released as the investigation continues.
