An Arkansas father charged with second-degree murder after allegedly killing the man accused of abusing his teenage daughter has won the Republican primary for sheriff in Lonoke County.
Aaron Spencer defeated incumbent Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley on Tuesday, receiving more than 53% of the vote, according to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas Secretary of State.
The victory comes while Spencer is still facing a pending criminal case related to the October 2024 shooting death of 67-year-old Michael Fosler.
Deadly Confrontation After Daughter Found in Suspect’s Truck
Authorities say the shooting occurred after Spencer discovered his teenage daughter was missing from the family’s home.
Investigators allege Spencer later located the girl inside Fosler’s truck.
According to authorities, Spencer forced the vehicle off the highway and confronted Fosler, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Fosler was killed during the confrontation.
After the incident, Spencer called 911.
Court records show Fosler had previously been charged with multiple sexual offenses involving Spencer’s daughter and was free on bond at the time of the shooting.
Spencer Pleads Not Guilty
Spencer, an Army veteran and farmer, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of second-degree murder.
He is currently free on bond while awaiting trial.
The case had originally been scheduled to begin in January, but it remains pending.
Campaign Framed as Challenge to Local Justice System
Despite the ongoing criminal case, Spencer’s campaign gained significant support among local voters.
In a campaign video announcing his run for sheriff, Spencer said his experience dealing with the justice system motivated him to enter the race.
“Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court,” Spencer said.
“And I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures.”
“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.”
Incumbent Concedes Primary Loss
After the results became clear, Sheriff John Staley acknowledged the outcome publicly.
“Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley wrote in a Facebook post.
General Election Ahead and Legal Uncertainty
Spencer will face Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in the November general election.
However, his ability to ultimately serve as sheriff could depend on the outcome of his criminal case.
If Spencer were convicted of second-degree murder, Arkansas law would bar him from holding the office.
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