Camilla Jessen
Aaron Spencer seeks sheriff’s seat while awaiting trial for killing alleged rapist.
Aaron Spencer launches his campaign while awaiting the trial for second-degree murder.
A crime case turns political
An Arkansas man charged with killing his daughter’s alleged rapist is now running to become sheriff of Lonoke County.
Aaron Spencer, 37, faces a second-degree murder charge for the July 2024 shooting death of 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who had been accused of sexually assaulting Spencer’s 13-year-old daughter.
The crime that started it all
According to police and court records, Spencer and his wife, Heather, learned in 2024 that their daughter had been sexually assaulted multiple times by Fosler, who allegedly contacted the girl through family friends.
Fosler was arrested and charged with 43 counts, including internet stalking and child pornography, but was later released on a $50,000 bond.
Despite a court-ordered ban on contact, Fosler allegedly abducted the 13-year-old from the Spencer home late at night.
A father’s pursuit
Heather Spencer wrote on Facebook that she woke to find her daughter missing and immediately feared the worst.
“In that moment we realized that she may have been taken… and every second counts,” she wrote.
Aaron Spencer, a farmer, general contractor, and Army veteran, jumped into his truck and began searching local highways.
“Dead on the side of the road”
He later told police that when he spotted Fosler’s vehicle, he rammed it off the road and then fired at Fosler, killing him.
Spencer then called 911 and reported that “the man who kidnapped [his] daughter was dead on the side of the road.”
Charged but unapologetic
Spencer was charged with second-degree murder but has pleaded not guilty, admitting only to firing the weapon.
His attorney, Erin Cassinelli, told CNN that her client acted out of fear and desperation.
“The community is entitled to consider Aaron’s choices,” she said, adding that his case highlights “the failures of law enforcement and the courts” in protecting families like his.
Turning tragedy into a campaign
In October 2025, Spencer announced his campaign for Lonoke County Sheriff, directly challenging the current sheriff who oversaw his arrest.
“Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court,” Spencer said in a campaign video.
“It’s time to bring trust, accountability, and safety back”
“This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes.”
His campaign slogan reads: “It’s time to bring trust, accountability, and safety back to our community.”
Trial and election collide
Spencer’s trial is scheduled for January 26, 2026 — just six weeks before the March 3 primary election.
Despite the overlap, his attorney says his political campaign won’t interfere with the legal case.
“He and his family are like all the other families living in Lonoke County,” Cassinelli said. “They want officials they can trust, who will keep them safe, and who are accountable for their actions or inactions.”
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
