Texas Police Admit Mistake After Driving Domestic Violence Suspect Back Home; Wife Found Dead Days Later
Arlington, TX – Police in Texas are under scrutiny following a tragic incident where officers admitted to driving a domestic violence suspect back to his estranged wife’s home, despite an active protective order forbidding his presence. Days after this decision, the woman was found brutally murdered in her backyard.
Protective Order Ignored: A Critical Misstep
The suspect, Frederick Spears, 55, was initially arrested on September 17 after allegedly threatening his stepson, Ashton Spears, with two kitchen knives during a family dispute.
He faced charges of aggravated assault-family violence and was released on bond the next day under an emergency protective order that prohibited him from contacting or visiting his wife, Mary Spears, 53.
Despite the protective order’s clear conditions, when Frederick Spears requested a police ride to retrieve his vehicle from the home, officers complied. Upon arrival, he engaged in another argument with family members before being asked to leave. This decision has since been recognized as a grave error by Arlington police.
The Tragic Death of Mary Spears
On September 22, Frederick Spears sent a disturbing message to another family member. Acting on concern, the relative rushed to Mary Spears’ home, only to discover her lifeless body in the backyard with multiple stab wounds. Subsequent investigations uncovered text messages sent by Spears to Mary that seemingly implicated him in her murder.
Family’s Anguish and Outrage
Ashton Spears, Mary’s son, expressed deep anger toward law enforcement for enabling his stepfather’s return to the family home:
“It makes me so mad… I don’t want to ruin the officer’s life or get her in trouble, but everybody needs to know that they brought him back,” he told local outlet WFAA.
Police’s Rare Admission and Ongoing Review
In an uncommon move, Arlington police publicly acknowledged the mistake. Officials stated:
“The department acknowledges that the officers should not have arranged transportation back to the home. Additionally, the department is conducting a comprehensive administrative review to determine whether changes to policy and procedures are necessary to ensure this does not happen again.”
Arrest and Aftermath for Frederick Spears
Following the homicide, police obtained a warrant for Frederick Spears’ arrest. On September 23, during his attempted arrest, Spears reportedly self-inflicted knife wounds. Law enforcement used tasers, less-lethal rounds, and a police K9 to subdue him before taking him into custody. He is currently hospitalized and awaits a court date on October 8.
Read Also: Mom Pulled Over for Speeding Credits Traffic Stop by Deputy Shawn Singleton for Saving Her Life
Wider Implications and Calls for Accountability
This heart-wrenching case has ignited criticism over the enforcement of protective orders in domestic violence situations. Advocates argue that the failure to uphold legal protections contributed directly to Mary Spears’ vulnerability and eventual death.
- Protective orders are essential legal tools designed to safeguard victims of domestic violence.
- Failure to enforce these orders can have fatal consequences, as evidenced by this case.
- Law enforcement agencies face calls to review and update policies to prevent similar tragedies.
For more detailed background and ongoing updates, the full story is available at FatCityFeed.com.
What Do You Think About Police Accountability in Domestic Violence Cases?
The heartbreaking loss of Mary Spears raises serious questions about police procedures and responsibility. Should officers face disciplinary action when violating protective orders results in tragic outcomes?
What do you think about this incident? Have you or someone you know experienced challenges with protective orders? Share your thoughts in the comments below!