Denton County Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell is recovering from an attack that resulted in the death of her husband, Fred Mitchell.
The man suspected of committing the assault was identifi ed as Mitchell Blake Reinacher, the couple's grandson, according to a Lewisville Police Department statement Monday.
“Thank you so much for your support of me and my family,” Bobbie said in a statement Wednsday. “We are so fortunate to be among such a wonderful, heartwarming community of friends. We will never forget the overwhelming outreach from near and far.”
The commissioner is “up and going through rounds of therapy as she continues her recovery,” according to the release from the county Wednesday, and the family asked that visitors be limited to family only.
Bobbie, who serves Precinct 3, was transported to the hospital from her Lewisville home and treated for stab wounds.
Reinacher has been charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, LPD said.
On Tuesday morning at Commissioners Court, County Judge Eads spoke to the other officials and the public about his concern for and condolences to the Mitchell family.
'As we continue the county's important business, we're also being mindful of the Mitchell family as well,' Eads said. 'As part of the Denton County family, Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobbie J. Mitchell and her family suffered an unfathomable tragedy yesterday – one that has struck all of us deeply here locally and across the nation. As we wish only the best for Bobbie, who is on the road to recovery, we also deeply mourn the loss of her husband, Fred.'
Eads touched on Bobbie's years of public service, from being part of the Lewisville Zoning Board of Adjustments in 1985 and her service as a council member for three years followed by serving as the first Black mayor of Lewisville from 1993-2000.
'I’ve been privileged to have known Bobbie since the '70s when, as a child, I met her as she was one of my mother’s good friends and they still remain friends to this day,' Eads said. 'Back then, she worked at GTE where she held numerous management positions until she retired in 1993.'
He spoke, too, with respect about Fred.
'While he may not have been elected, may not have been appointed, he too served as well, being that ever supportive political spouse, and only those who have done it know what it is like,' Eads said. 'Fred supported Bobbie every step of the way. And we have him to thank for her public service as well.'
Eads also included a request for comfort on behalf of the family.
'Please join me and our entire Denton County family in lifting up every member of the Mitchell family – all four generations – as they traverse these uncharted waters,' Eads said.
Members of the Pilot Point community spoke of their love for the commissioner and of her dedication to service.
'She's been a dear friend of mine; we've worked together for several years at the phone company,' said Jerry Alford of Pilot Point on Tuesday at the Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club meeting. '… Keep Bobbie in your minds and in your thoughts. Fred was a real gentleman.'
At the PointBank Business Breakfast in Pilot Point on Wednesday, Susan Frank gave an invocation where she asked for peace for Bobbie and her family.
Among her many avenues of community service, Bobbie serves on the Hearts for Homes Advisory Board.
On Monday, a banner saying 'Love to the Mitchell Family' was stretched in front of the Precinct 3 Government Center at 400 N. Valley Parkway that members of the public could sign.
“Donations for her and in remembrance for Fred, her beloved husband, are being accepted by the Lewisville Noon Rotary Club,” the county release Wednesday said. “Donations can be sent to Lewisville Noon, P.O. Box 274, Lewisville, TX 75067. The donations will be distributed, with Commissioner Mitchell’s review, to area nonprofits later.”
BOBBIE MITCHELL
