Arkansas Father Charged With Murder Runs for Sheriff

An Arkansas man facing a second-degree murder charge for the fatal shooting of his daughter’s alleged abuser has announced his candidacy for sheriff of Lonoke County.

Aaron Spencer, 37, is charged with killing Michael Fosler, 67, on October 8, 2024. Prosecutors allege that Spencer shot Fosler after finding him driving with Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter in violation of a no-contact order. Fosler was out on bond at the time, facing 43 criminal counts, including internet stalking of a child, sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child, and possession of child pornography.

Spencer, who has pleaded not guilty, admitted to shooting Fosler during an altercation after ramming his truck off the road near his home. His trial is scheduled to begin January 26, 2026, approximately six weeks before the March 3 Republican primary in which he will compete for the office of Lonoke County Sheriff.

In a Facebook video announcing his campaign, Spencer stated that he is running to address what he described as failures in the justice system that failed to protect his daughter. He said his campaign focuses on improving community safety and restoring public trust in law enforcement.

Spencer, a farmer, general contractor, and U.S. Army veteran, served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq. He and his wife, Heather Spencer, live near Cabot, Arkansas, and have two children.

His attorney, Erin Cassinelli, said Spencer filed to run because the election deadline is approaching and that she does not believe his campaign will interfere with the trial. If convicted, Spencer would be legally barred from holding public office in Arkansas.

The shooting case and subsequent sheriff campaign have gained national attention. Petitions calling for charges against Spencer to be dropped have gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures.