An Arlington, Texas, man convicted of capital murder in the fatal stabbing of his estranged wife was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Wednesday, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
Frederick Spears, 57, was found guilty by a Tarrant County jury in the killing of 53-year-old Mary Spears. Jurors reached their verdict in about 17 minutes.
The case was prosecuted by Tarrant County Assistant District Attorneys Chase Payne and Allenna Bangs.
“The jury spoke for Tarrant County, returning their verdict in a mere 17 minutes,” District Attorney Phil Sorrells said. “We stand with victims and we hold violent criminals accountable.”
Estranged Wife Killed Outside Arlington Home
Prosecutors said Spears killed Mary Spears on September 22, 2025, outside her home in the 1000 block of Shortleaf Pine Drive.
An emergency protective order had been issued against Spears days earlier after he was accused of threatening family members with kitchen knives. Despite the order, prosecutors said Spears purchased a knife and a saw kit and waited in the backyard near the side of the home for Mary to come outside.
Payne described the items as a “murder kit” during the trial.
When Mary stepped outside, Spears attacked her, prosecutors said. She attempted to defend herself but was forced to the ground and suffered multiple stab wounds, including a fatal wound to her heart.
Her son later found her unresponsive in the backyard.
“She was slaughtered and left for dead,” Bangs told jurors.
Bangs also said Spears had previously made threats against Mary.
“He made good on the promise he had been making (to Mary) for years,” Bangs said. “He always said, ‘I’m going to kill you.’”
Mary Spears’ son, Ashton, previously told WFAA that he wanted people to remember his mother for the person she was.
“I just want everyone to know how good of a woman she was,” he said.
Spears Had Been Arrested Days Before Killing
Spears had been arrested shortly before the killing on allegations that he threatened family members with knives.
After being released on bond, an Arlington police officer drove Spears to Mary’s home at his request so he could retrieve his vehicle, according to previous reporting. The bond conditions prohibited him from contacting his family.
Spears eventually left the property. Several days later, he returned and attacked Mary.
The Arlington Police Department has said it was reviewing its policy regarding how officers transport suspects who have been released from custody.
Spears Arrested After Wife’s Killing
After Mary was killed, authorities found Spears hiding behind an Arlington church.
When officers approached him, prosecutors said he began stabbing himself and attempted to attack a police K-9. Officers intervened, transported him to a hospital, and took him into custody.
The investigation was conducted by the Arlington Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Tarrant County District Attorney Investigator Darla Dowell.
Spears’ conviction for capital murder resulted in an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Provided by Dallas Express
