Denton County Commissioner Hospitalized, Husband Killed in Stabbing by Grandson

Early Monday morning, police were called to a quiet suburban area in Lewisville, Texas, to the scene of a stabbing that killed one man and hurt a well-known official. 

Just before 4 a.m., police went to a house on Springwood Drive near Elmwood Drive and found Fred Mitchell, the husband of Denton County Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell, and several stab wounds on both of them. Later, Fred Mitchell was declared dead at a nearby hospital. Bobbie Mitchell is still in good health.

Mitchell Reinacher, the couple's 23-year-old grandson, was arrested at the spot without any fuss. He is now being charged with murder and aggravated attack with a deadly weapon. The police have not disclosed what motivated the attack, and the events leading up to it are still under investigation.

Bobbie Mitchell is a long-time public servant who has been on the Denton County Commissioners Court since 2000, representing Precinct 3. From 1993 to 2000, she made history as the first Black mayor of Lewisville. Mitchell's family in Denton County released a statement saying that he is expected to recover and thanked everyone for their support.

Leaders from the city and the state sent their sympathy and offered their support. "If you've ever been at an event where Bobbie has prayed over you, please lift her and the family as she has lifted our community," said Mayor TJ Gilmore. 

Governor Greg Abbott also expressed gratitude and praised the swift response of first responders in the area.

Gov. Abbott put Mitchell on the Commission on State Emergency Communications in 2023. In this role, she oversees Texas' 911 and poison control services. 

People are waiting for more information while Fred Mitchell's family plans his funeral and continues to get better.