'Beloved' Texas Politician Stabbed, Husband Killed in Family Attack
It was the kind of night when nothing should have gone wrong — a peaceful early morning in suburban Lewisville, Texas. But inside one home, the unimaginable unfolded, leaving a community reeling and a family shattered.
The Attack
Just before 4 a.m. on Monday, April 21, Lewisville police responded to a 911 call. The call was cut with sounds of a struggle, screams, and a grim report — someone had a knife.
When officers arrived, they found the front door open, a white car still running outside — headlights glowing in the dark.
Inside, the dread of the scene shifted to horror. Fred Mitchell, 75, lay in the hallway, bleeding severely from stab wounds. His wife, Denton County Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell, was also found injured, suffering a critical stab wound to her chest, including one puncture near her heart.
Police arrested their 23-year-old grandson, Mitchell Blake Reinacher, at the scene.
A Beloved Leader's Fight for Survival
Bobbie Mitchell, 76, was rushed to the hospital. Her husband, Fred Mitchell, succumbed to his injuries approximately an hour later.
Despite her critical injuries, Bobbie managed to tell officers that her grandson had broken into their home, announced he intended to kill them, retrieved a knife from the kitchen, and then carried out the attack in their bedroom.
A six-inch serrated steak knife, reportedly bent nearly 90 degrees from the force used, was later recovered at the scene.
Bobbie was released from the hospital on April 28, CBS Texas reported.
Who Is the Accused?
The suspect, Reinacher, had reportedly been living with his grandparents since late 2024. Following his arrest, he refused to speak with police after being read his Miranda rights.
Reinacher now faces charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Lewisville Jail on a $600,000 bond.
Community Reaction
The shockwaves from the attack rippled quickly across Denton County and beyond. Bobbie Mitchell is widely regarded as a trailblazer — Lewisville's first Black mayor and a beloved figure in local politics for decades.
According to CBS News, Lewisville Mayor TJ Gilmore said, "The City is holding our Commissioner and her family close to our hearts. 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."
Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a statement, thanking first responders and offering condolences to the Mitchell family, saying, "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," as reported by CBS News.
A banner outside the Denton County Precinct Government Center stood in honor of the Mitchell family, inviting community members to leave messages of support.
An Investigation Still Unfolding
Authorities continue to piece together the motive behind the alleged attack. No further details were immediately released about what might have triggered the violence.
For a city once united by Bobbie Mitchell's leadership, the questions now outnumber the answers.
References:Texas politician Bobbie Mitchell stabbed, husband killed after allegedly being attacked by their grandson at home | New details in stabbing of Denton County Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell, death of husband | Texas county official injured and husband killed in stabbing, grandson under arrest, police say
