In a dramatic twist of fate, an Arkansas man embroiled in a controversial legal battle is now setting his sights on a new role—one of law enforcement leadership. Aaron Spencer, who gained national attention in 2024, is campaigning to become sheriff, promising to restore “trust, accountability, and safety” in his community.

The story that brought Spencer into the public eye was a tragic and complex one. According to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital, Spencer allegedly shot and killed 67-year-old Michael Fosler. The incident occurred as Fosler was reportedly attempting to leave with Spencer’s 14-year-old daughter in his vehicle. Fosler, at the time, was out on bond after being charged with multiple sexual offenses against the young girl.

Events unfolded rapidly on that fateful day in October 2024. Spencer awoke to find his daughter missing, which led him to frantically search for her whereabouts. It was during this search that he discovered her inside Fosler’s truck. Acting swiftly, Spencer forced the vehicle off the highway, leading to a confrontation between the two men.

The altercation culminated with Spencer calling emergency services, reporting that he had shot Fosler. This act set off a legal and moral debate about the lengths a parent might go to protect their child.

Now, as Spencer steps onto the political stage, he seeks to channel his personal ordeal into a platform of change. His bid for sheriff reflects a desire to bring new leadership and direction to the community, drawing from his own experiences to push for reforms in the justice system.

Spencer was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The incident prompted Spencer, who is an Army veteran and farmer, to announce in a Facebook post that he is running for sheriff in Lonoke County, Arkansas. 

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

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

In the campaign video, Spencer vowed to restore the community’s trust in law enforcement, while promising to “build a safer, stronger” county for residents in the same county where he was arrested.  

Aaron Spencer is running to be Lonoke County Sheriff while facing a second-degree murder charge in the same county for allegedly shooting a man charged with sexually assaulting his daughter. (Google Maps)

“This campaign isn’t about me,” Spencer said. “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.” 

Spencer is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 16, with his trial set to begin Jan. 26, 2026. 

Spencer and the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.