ARLINGTON, TX – Arlington police admitted to mistakenly transporting a domestic violence suspect back to his estranged wife’s home, the same location where she was later found fatally stabbed.
Frederick Spears, 55, is facing a murder charge following the death of his wife, Mary Spears, 53, on Monday. The couple, who were separated but still shared a residence at times, had reportedly been experiencing ongoing domestic turmoil prior to the incident.
Police first responded to the Spears’ home on September 17 after Frederick allegedly threatened his stepson, Ashton Spears, with two kitchen knives during a heated argument. Frederick was arrested and charged with aggravated assault involving family violence. Following his booking, an emergency protective order was put in place, forbidding him from returning home or contacting his family.
Despite this order, when Frederick was released from jail on bond a day later, he went to the Arlington public safety center and requested assistance in returning to his wife’s home to retrieve his vehicle. An officer honored the request and facilitated his return, a move that Arlington police now confirm violated standard procedures concerning protective orders in domestic violence cases.
On arrival at the residence, another confrontation reportedly broke out between Frederick and family members. The officer on scene ordered Frederick to leave, and he complied at that time.
The situation escalated further on Monday morning when a relative received a troubling text message from Frederick. That family member went to the house and found Mary Spears dead in the backyard, the victim of multiple stab wounds. Investigators later uncovered text messages sent by Frederick that appeared to implicate himself in the killing.
Arlington police later obtained a warrant for Frederick’s arrest. Officers attempted to apprehend him on Tuesday. When confronted, Frederick allegedly began stabbing himself with a knife, refusing to comply with officers’ commands. Police used a combination of tasers, less-lethal projectiles, and a K9 unit before he was finally subdued and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Arlington Police Department has now launched an internal review into the handling of the case, specifically the decision by officers to return Frederick to the home covered by a protective order. Officials say they are evaluating current policies and will implement necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Mary Spears’ family has expressed outrage and heartbreak over the department’s misstep. While relatives say they do not wish to see the officers involved ruined, they believe the error must be publicly acknowledged.
Frederick Spears currently remains in custody under medical supervision. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on October 8 as the criminal proceedings move forward. The investigation into his wife’s death is ongoing, and authorities say further details will be released as they become available.