ARLINGTON — The Arlington Police Department is facing intense scrutiny following a tragic incident where officers allegedly escorted Frederick Spears, an estranged husband, back to his family home despite a no-contact order. This sequence of events preceded the fatal stabbing of his estranged wife, Mary Spears.
The family of Mary Spears shared a video from September 17, depicting Frederick Spears threatening his stepson, Ashton, with a knife. “He tried to hit my dog, I said something, and he just started cussing at me,” recounted Ashton Spears, Mary’s son. Following this incident, officers arrested Frederick Spears and charged him with aggravated assault family violence. His bond explicitly included a restraining order mandating that he stay away from the family home.
However, Ashton alleges that an Arlington police officer subsequently drove Frederick Spears back to the residence. “It makes me so mad… I don’t want to ruin the officer’s life or get her in trouble,” Ashton stated, “but I do think that everybody needs to know that they brought him back.” Tragically, officers later arrested Spears again, this time for fatally stabbing Mary. Police reported that Spears sustained self-inflicted knife wounds during his re-arrest for the murder.
In response to the incident, the Arlington Police Department has issued a statement acknowledging that officers should not have provided transportation back to the family’s home. The department has initiated a comprehensive administrative review of the matter.
Domestic Violence: A Critical Issue
Domestic violence advocates are closely monitoring the Spears case, highlighting the alarming frequency of such tragedies. Kathryn Jacob, CEO of SafeHaven of Tarrant County, emphasized the pervasive nature of domestic violence, stating, “This can and does happen far more than you would ever think.” Last year alone, SafeHaven responded to nearly 14,000 calls for help in Tarrant County, providing shelter to over 1,600 women and children.
Dr. Jacob urges anyone with concerns about their safety, or who suspects they might be in an abusive relationship, to call SafeHaven’s 24-hour hotline at 877-701-7233. Counselors are trained to listen and help individuals assess their situations, even if they are unsure of the danger.
SafeHaven is also at the forefront of a nationwide study, collaborating with experts to develop a tool designed to help law enforcement adequately identify the dominant aggressor at domestic violence scenes. Dr. Jacob expressed hope that this tool will significantly improve the accuracy of arrests and ultimately reduce the number of domestic violence victims across the country.
Amidst his profound loss, Ashton Spears wants his mother to be remembered for her true character. “I just want everyone to know how good of a woman she was,” he shared, ensuring Mary Spears is honored for the woman she truly was.
