Who Is Aaron Spencer? Man Charged With Second-Degree Murder Wins County Sheriff Primary in Arkansas

A father from Arkansas who is awaiting trial over the fatal shooting of a man accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter has now won a local Republican primary for sheriff. The unusual campaign has drawn national attention, raising questions about justice, accountability and public trust in law enforcement.

Aaron Spencer, who has pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge, secured the Republican primary nomination for county sheriff of Lonoke County while his criminal case remains pending. His victory means voters will now decide in November whether a candidate facing serious charges should lead the county's top law-enforcement office.

Primary Upset as Spencer Defeats Incumbent Sheriff

Spencer secured 53.5% of the vote in the Tuesday, March 3, Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff, according to reporting from PEOPLE. He defeated incumbent Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley, according to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas secretary of state. Stanley later conceded the loss.

In a statement, Spencer said that his advocacy for accountability resonated with voters, 'Tonight, the people of Lonoke County stood up and chose transparency and accountability.'

He continued: 'This wasn't a campaign about me. It was about every family who called for help and got nothing. That betrayal ends tonight'.

Spencer also spoke to local news outlet KATV on Wednesday 4, March. 'I'm incredibly grateful to the people of Lonoke County for placing their trust in me. Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign, worked hard, and showed up to vote,' he said.

He added, 'This is an important step forward, but we still have one more election ahead. I look forward to continuing this conversation with the people of Lonoke County as we work toward building a safer, strong Lonoke County'.

In November, Spencer will face Democratic primary winner Brian Mitchell Sr. in the general election.

In a Facebook post last month, Spencer pledged that, if elected, he would establish a dedicated team to combat sex crimes against children.

Who Is Aaron Spencer?

Beyond his victory in the Republican primary election for county sheriff of Lonoke County, Spencer is a 37-year-old husband, father, contractor, farmer, and a combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division. He announced his candidacy in October through a Facebook video.

Spencer has no prior background in law enforcement, but his campaign gained massive traction due to his story.

In the announcement video, Spencer said, 'Many of you know my story. I'm the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed'.

He continued: 'And 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 this was the primary reason for his candidacy as a sheriff.

He also said that the candidacy is 'about restoring trust where neighbours know law enforcement is on their side and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need'.

Spencer's Second-Degree Murder Case

In October 2024, Spencer shot and killed a 67-year-old man named Michael Fosler, who was at the time out on bond and facing 43 criminal charges in connection with Spencer's teenage daughter, including sexual assault.

Associated Press reported that Spencer woke up to find his daughter missing from her bedroom and went searching for her in his truck. He eventually found his daughter in the passenger seat of a vehicle Fosler was driving. Authorities say Spencer forced Fosler's truck off the highway before shooting him. Spencer later called 911 to report what had happened.

Spencer was subsequently charged with second-degree murder and pleaded not guilty. His lawyers do not dispute that he shot Fosler but maintain that their client acted within the law to protect his child from a predator.

The trial was originally scheduled to start in January 2026, but was postponed after the defence successfully petitioned the Arkansas Supreme Court to replace the presiding judge. A retired special judge is now expected to take over the case. With a hearing approaching this month, the court will soon determine the new dates for the trial. Under Arkansas law, Spencer will not be able to serve as a sheriff if convicted.