He Was Ordered To Stay Away From Her. Days Later, She Was Stabbed To Death.

Days after being ordered to have no contact with his family, an estranged husband returned to his wife’s home and fatally stabbed her. He was later convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole.

On September 22, 2025, at around 9 a.m., officers responded to a home in Arlington, Texas, after a family member found a woman unresponsive and bleeding in the backyard. Upon arrival, officers found her suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified as 53-year-old Mary Spears.

Mary’s 19-year-old son later said he discovered his mother in the backyard that morning and was afraid her attacker could still be nearby.

Less than a week earlier, Mary’s estranged husband, Frederick Spears, had been arrested following a domestic disturbance at the home.

On September 17, 2025, a Ring camera captured Frederick armed with two kitchen knives during an argument. He was arrested on an aggravated assault family violence charge and released from jail the following day.

As a condition of his release, Frederick was ordered to have no contact with his family.

Despite that order, Arlington police later acknowledged that officers gave Frederick a ride from the jail back to Mary’s home so he could retrieve his vehicle.

He eventually left the property.

Four days later, prosecutors said Frederick returned.

Evidence presented at trial showed Frederick purchased a knife and saw kit before hiding in Mary’s backyard during the early morning hours.

Prosecutors described the items as a “murder kit.”

When Mary stepped outside, Frederick attacked her.

Prosecutors said Mary weighed just 83 pounds and attempted to defend herself before Frederick forced her to the ground and stabbed her in the heart.

Prosecutors said the killing followed years of threats from Frederick, including repeated statements that he was going to kill Mary.

After the stabbing, investigators found Frederick hiding behind a church.

As officers approached, Frederick began stabbing himself and attempted to attack a police K-9 before officers intervened and took him into custody.

Frederick was ultimately prosecuted for capital murder.

On August 19, 2026, a Tarrant County jury found 57-year-old Frederick Spears guilty.

Jurors deliberated for just 17 minutes.

Frederick received the automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Following Mary’s killing, the Arlington Police Department acknowledged officers should not have transported Frederick back to her home after his release and launched an administrative review of its policies.