Arkansas man accused of killing daughter’s alleged abuser wins Republican sheriff’s nomination | Arkansas
An Arkansas man accused of killing his teenage daughter’s alleged molester recently won the Republican nomination for local sheriff while awaiting trial for murder in his rural county, where he ran on a message that sees law enforcement failures.
Aaron Spencer defeated Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley in Tuesday’s primary election, according to unofficial results released by the Arkansas secretary of state. Spencer would be unable to serve his military service if convicted of murdering 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who was out on bail after being accused of multiple sex crimes against his then-13-year-old daughter.
Spencer’s attorneys do not deny that she shot and killed Fosler, but argue that she acted lawfully to protect her child from a predator.
According to unofficial results, Spencer won with more than 53% of the vote with all precincts reporting. Staley, whose department arrested Spencer in 2024, acknowledged the loss.
“Congratulations to Mr. Spencer,” Staley said in a statement posted on Facebook. “Tonight, voters made their decision in the Republican primary, and I respect that decision.”
Spencer said in a statement that his message of accountability resonated with voters.
“Tonight, the people of Lonoke County stood up and chose transparency and accountability,” Spencer said. “This wasn’t a campaign about me. It was about every family that asked for help and got nothing. This betrayal ends tonight.”
Now, in November, Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in the Republican-dominated district. He is preparing to meet.
Spencer pleaded not guilty and was released on bail while awaiting trial, which was originally scheduled to begin in January. The hearing was postponed after the presiding judge was removed from the case. A new date has not been determined.
Court documents show that on the night of the October 2024 shooting, Spencer woke up to find his daughter missing from her bedroom and went to look for her in his truck. He found the girl in the passenger seat of the vehicle Fosler was driving. Spencer eventually forced Fosler’s truck off the highway and, after an argument, called 911 to report that he had shot the man, records show.
Prosecutors allege Spencer was planning to kill Fosler even before that night and may have called the police while following Fosler.
Spencer’s attorney, Erin Cassinelli, wrote in an email to The Associated Press that the election results have no bearing on the facts of the case.
“Aaron Spencer did exactly what the law allows and what any father would do: protect his daughter and himself from harm,” Cassinelli said. “At some point those in charge of this investigation will have to reckon with this.”
Spencer promised A Facebook post in February He said that if elected, he would establish a special team to combat sexual crimes against children.
