An Arkansas father, charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting a man suspected of preying on his teenage daughter, has secured the Republican nomination for Lonoke County sheriff.

Aaron Spencer, who faces accusations of killing 67-year-old Michael Fosler, won over current Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley during Tuesday’s primary election. Unofficial results from the Arkansas Secretary of State indicate Spencer received over 53% of the votes.

The incident in question took place in October 2024, when Spencer reportedly discovered his daughter missing from their home. He later located her inside Fosler’s truck, prompting a confrontation that escalated into a deadly shootout after Spencer forced the truck off the road.

Despite his legal troubles, Spencer has announced his candidacy for sheriff in Arkansas, a decision made public a year after his arrest for the alleged killing of his daughter’s accused assailant.

Following the alleged shooting of Fosler, Spencer reportedly called 911 to report the incident.

After allegedly fatally shooting Fosler, Spencer called 911.

Court records show, prior to his death, Fosler was charged with “numerous sexual offenses” against Spencer’s daughter and was out on bond at the time of the shooting.

Spencer, an Army veteran and farmer, is out on bond awaiting trial, which was initially scheduled for January. He has pleaded not guilty.

Aaron Spencer is accused of killing a man suspected of preying on his daughter.  (Lonoke County Detention Center)

Though Staley’s deputies arrested Spencer in 2024, he offered congratulations after the results were tallied.

“Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley wrote in a Facebook post.

Spencer will run against Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in November.

If convicted, Spencer would not be able to serve as sheriff.

Sheriff John Staley said Aaron Spencer has not been formally charged yet and that the district attorney’s office will decide which charges to file.  (Google Maps)

“Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court. And I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures,” Spencer said in a video announcing his campaign.

“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.” 

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