Arkansas Father Accused of Killing Daughter’s Alleged Rapist Announces Run for County Sheriff
LONOKE COUNTY, ARKANSAS – An Arkansas father accused of taking justice into his own hands after killing his daughter’s alleged rapist has announced his campaign for county sheriff, saying the “system failed” his family and others like them.
“I’m the Father Who Acted to Protect His Daughter”
Aaron Spencer, 37, faces second-degree murder charges in the October 2024 shooting death of Michael Fosler, 67. Authorities said Spencer shot Fosler during a confrontation after finding him in a vehicle with his missing teenage daughter.
In a campaign video released this week, Spencer announced his bid for Lonoke County Sheriff, telling voters he wants to “restore trust and safety” in the community.
“Hello Lonoke, my name is Aaron Spencer,” he said. “Many of you know my story. I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed. I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures.”
The Confrontation and Shooting
According to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were responding to a missing child report from the Spencer family on October 8, 2024, when the situation escalated.
Spencer’s wife, Heather Spencer, said they woke up that morning to find their 13-year-old daughter gone, prompting a frantic 911 call and a desperate search.
Aaron Spencer soon spotted Fosler driving on Highway 236 East with the girl inside his vehicle. A brief chase and collision followed.
“Aaron was able to retrieve our child alive,” Heather wrote in a GiveSendGo fundraiser, “but in the process, he was attacked and did what he had to do to protect himself and our minor child.”
Fosler was shot and killed during the confrontation.
“The Monster Who Hurt Our Child Was Released Too Fast”
Heather Spencer said her daughter’s alleged attacker had been arrested earlier that year for sexual assault and released on a $50,000 bond, despite a no-contact order.
“The monster who hurt our child was charged quickly but released even faster,” Heather said. “He continued contacting our daughter while he was out on bond. The justice system failed us.”
She called her husband a “hero,” saying she had no doubt their daughter “would not have come home” if he hadn’t intervened.
Legal Case Still Pending
Spencer, a military veteran and farmer, is currently out on bond as his case proceeds through the Lonoke County Circuit Court.
Sheriff John Staley called the case a “tragic situation”, offering condolences to everyone involved.
“All my deputies knew at the time was that there was a deceased man, a 14-year-old in the truck with him, and a dad saying, ‘I stopped him for this,’” Staley told USA Today.
Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether the murder charge will move forward or be reduced.
Running to “Restore Trust”
Despite the pending criminal case, Spencer says his campaign is about “restoring confidence” in the justice system.
“This campaign isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes. It’s about restoring trust where people know law enforcement is on their side.”
As of this week, it remains unclear whether Spencer has officially filed paperwork to appear on the ballot for the 2026 sheriff’s race.
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