An Arkansas man charged with murder for killing the man accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter has won the GOP primary for county sheriff.
Aaron Spencer defeated incumbent Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley in Tuesday’s primary, taking more than 53% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Arkansas secretary of state’s office. Staley conceded the race.
“Congratulations to Mr. Spencer. Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley said in a statement, ABC News reported.
Spencer, an Army veteran and farmer, ran on a platform highlighting what he called failures in law enforcement and the courts. He faces Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in the heavily Republican county in November.
Spencer is awaiting trial in the October 2024 shooting death of 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who had been charged with multiple sexual offenses against Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter and was out on bond at the time. Spencer has pleaded not guilty and remains free on bond. His trial, originally set for January, has been delayed after the presiding judge was removed from the case.
Spencer’s attorneys have said he acted within Arkansas law to protect his child. Court records show Spencer woke up to find his daughter missing. He located her in Fosler’s vehicle, forced the truck off the highway, and shot Fosler after an altercation. He then called 911.
In his campaign announcement, Spencer said the case inspired his run for office.
“I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed,” he said. “Through my own fight for justice, I’ve seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court, and I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures. … This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in their community.”
If elected, Spencer has pledged to create a dedicated team to combat sex crimes against children. He would not be able to serve his term if he were convicted of the murder charge.
