A military veteran in Arkansas, Aaron Spencer, has entered the race for sheriff of Lonoke County, despite facing murder charges. Spencer is accused of killing Michael Fosler, 67, who had been charged with multiple sexual offenses against his daughter. The incident occurred in October 2024 when Spencer allegedly shot Fosler after he allegedly lunged at him during an encounter.
Spencer justifies his actions as self-defense, claiming he had no other choice but to open fire. The 37-year-old is running for sheriff, framing his campaign as a commitment to protect families and restore trust in law enforcement.
In a video published on Facebook, Spencer described himself as a ‘father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed.’ He criticized law enforcement and the court system for their failures, stating, ‘I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures.’ His campaign aims to give every parent and neighbor a sense of security and trust in their community.
The vote for Lonoke County sheriff is scheduled to take place in November next year. Jeff Staley, a current sheriff with over a decade of experience, has announced plans to seek re-election. Spencer’s trial on charges of second-degree murder is set to begin on January 26, 2026.