Arkansas Shocker: Man Who Defended Daughter Secures GOP Sheriff’s Nomination

An Arkansas father, currently facing charges of second-degree murder, has secured the Republican nomination for Lonoke County sheriff. The charges stem from allegations that he shot and killed a man suspected of being his teenage daughter’s sexual predator.

Aaron Spencer emerged victorious over the incumbent, Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley, in Tuesday’s primary election. According to unofficial results provided by the Arkansas Secretary of State, Spencer captured more than 53% of the vote.

The incident in question took place in October 2024. Spencer is accused of fatally shooting 67-year-old Michael Fosler after discovering that his daughter was missing from their home.

Spencer reportedly found his daughter inside Fosler’s truck and forced the vehicle off the highway, which ultimately resulted in an altercation and exchange of gunfire.

A year after his arrest, Aaron Spencer has announced his candidacy for sheriff in Arkansas. The announcement was made public through his social media account. (Aaron Spencer/Facebook)

After allegedly fatally shooting Fosler, Spencer called 911.

Court records show prior to his death, Fosler was charged with “numerous sexual offenses” against Spencer’s daughter and was out on bond at the time of the shooting.

Spencer, an Army veteran and farmer, is out on bond awaiting trial, which was initially scheduled for January. He has pleaded not guilty.

Aaron Spencer is accused of killing a man suspected of preying on his daughter.  (Lonoke County Detention Center)

Though Staley’s deputies arrested Spencer in 2024, he offered congratulations following the results.

“Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley wrote in a Facebook post.

Spencer will run against Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in November.

If convicted, Spencer would not be able to serve as sheriff.

Sheriff John Staley said Aaron Spencer has not been formally charged yet and that the District Attorney’s Office will decide which charges to file.  (Google Maps)

“Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court. And I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures,” Spencer said in a video announcing his campaign.

“This campaign isn’t about me,” he added. “It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in the community. It’s restoring trust where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need.” 

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