Lewisville police chief, mayor discuss knife attack on Commissioner Mitchell, husband

The Lewisville Police Department is investigating a double stabbing that injured Denton County Commissioner Pct. 3 Bobbie Mitchell and killed her husband, Fred, early Monday morning.

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 say the suspect, a family member of the victims, was still there and was immediately taken into custody.

Both Commissioner Mitchell and her husband were taken to the hospital. Commissioner Mitchell is in the hospital and listed as being stable and is expected to recover. Her husband, Fred, died at the hospital just after 5 a.m.

The Mitchell family released a statement on Monday afternoon saying, "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 suspect, 23-year-old Mitchell Blake Reinacher, the grandson of the victims, has been booked into the Lewisville jail and is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The investigation continues as police work to determine what led to the attack.

The Mayor of Lewisville and Police Chief addressed the media about the attack on Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell and the fatal attack on her husband, Fred Mitchell.

Lewisville Police Chief Brook Rollins says the suspect, the couple's grandson, is believed to have used a serrated kitchen knife in the attack. He also says he believes the suspect lived in the home with the couple.

He says he does not know what led to the attack, but the investigation is ongoing.

The chief said someone inside the home called 911, but he was not sure who made that phone call. That is also 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., police said.

Chief Rollins said when the officer arrived on the scene they could hear screaming coming from inside the home.

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

The Lewisville Police Department said, "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."

According to Lewisville Mayor TJ Gilmore at 8:50 a.m., Commissioner Mitchell is out of surgery and is expected to fully recover.

Denton County Judge Andy Eads posted on social media just before 9 a.m. saying, "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."

Representative Jared Patterson said, "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."

During the news conference on Monday, Lewisville Mayor TJ Gillmore said, "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 in events, he was very particular, much like my wife. If he showed up in event you knew that that was a big deal. Because he was he was very quiet but very supportive. So, he will he will be greatly missed."

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.

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