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Arkansas Father Charged in 2024 Killing Launches Bid for Lonoke County Sheriff

He enters the race ahead of a January 26 trial on a second-degree murder charge.

Overview

  • Aaron Spencer announced his campaign in a Facebook video, saying the justice system failed his family and pledging to restore trust in law enforcement.
  • He has pleaded not guilty and is free on a $150,000 bond, with a pre-trial hearing set for December 16–17 and jury selection to begin January 26, 2026.
  • According to court records, Spencer found his 14-year-old daughter in Michael Fosler’s truck, forced it off the road, shot the 67-year-old during an altercation, and then called 911.
  • Fosler was out on a $50,000 bond under a no-contact order and faced 43 counts including internet stalking of a child, sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child, and possession of child sexual-abuse material.
  • Running as a Republican, Spencer could face incumbent Sheriff John Staley, and his case has galvanized support online, including a defense fundraiser and a petition with more than 360,000 signatures.