An Arkansas father charged with second-degree murder over an October 2024 shooting won the Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff.
Primary result
Aaron Spencer defeated incumbent Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley with more than 53% of the vote, according to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Shooting and investigation
Authorities say the fatal encounter involved 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who was killed in the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators allege Spencer discovered his daughter missing from the family home and later located the teenager inside Fosler’s truck.
Officials say Spencer forced the vehicle off the highway and confronted the suspect, which led to a gunfight.
Spencer placed a 911 call after the shooting.
Court records show Fosler had previously been charged with numerous sexual offenses involving Spencer’s daughter and was free on bond at the time.
Defendant and campaign
Spencer, an Army veteran and farmer, has pleaded not guilty and is out on bond while awaiting trial after a case that was originally scheduled to begin in January.
His campaign resonated with voters who viewed the race as a rebuke of local law enforcement and the circuit court system.
In a campaign video, Spencer framed his run as a response to perceived failures by authorities and the courts and he said.
“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.”
Aftermath and consequences
Even after losing the primary, Sheriff Staley publicly acknowledged the voters’ decision in a Facebook post.
Spencer will face Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in the November general election.
A conviction for second-degree murder would legally bar Spencer from serving as sheriff.
