An Arkansas resident, accused of fatally shooting a man who allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted his 14-year-old daughter in 2024, has secured a primary election victory for the position of county sheriff.

Aaron Spencer is alleged to have shot Michael Fosler, age 67, after finding him with his daughter in a vehicle. Despite facing charges of second-degree murder for Fosler’s death, Spencer emerged victorious in the Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff, capturing 53 percent of the vote, as reported by the Arkansas Advocate.

On social media, the girl’s mother revealed that a protective order was in place against Fosler, who was accused of stalking and assaulting her daughter several months before the October 2024 incident. Moreover, authorities in Lonoke County had previously arrested Fosler in July 2024 for charges related to internet stalking and sexual assault of a minor.

The mother also mentioned that they were unaware their daughter had resumed contact with Fosler, who was out on bond at the time.

Spencer’s trial was initially slated for January but encountered delays after the state supreme court dismissed the presiding judge, who had previously restricted public access to the proceedings.

It’s important to note that Spencer would be unable to assume the sheriff’s role if convicted of murder. A new date for his trial is expected to be set this month.

Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney Chuck Graham KATV that Spencer’s trial will begin in late April or late June.

“Now assuming one of those two dates we try it plenty of time, you know, he would be—he wouldn’t go any further if he’s convicted,” he said. “What’s out there in the public is not what happened. And they don’t know the facts of it. And that’s what we’ll lay out in our court case.”