CARLISLE, Ark. — Aaron Spencer, charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a man accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter, won the Republican primary for Lonoke County Sheriff in Tuesday’s election, according to preliminary results and local reporting.
Spencer defeated incumbent Sheriff John Staley and challenger David Bufford in the three-way GOP primary. As the Republican nominee in the heavily conservative county, he is heavily favored to win the general election in November and become the county’s top law enforcement officer.
The victory comes as Spencer, 37, of Carlisle, awaits trial on the murder charge stemming from an Oct. 8, 2024, incident. He has pleaded not guilty and maintains he acted to protect his then-13-year-old daughter.
The 2024 Incident
According to court records and police reports released after the Arkansas Supreme Court lifted a gag order in May 2025:
- Spencer’s wife called 911 at 1:12 a.m. to report their daughter missing from her bed.
- Spencer searched for her, using location information, and located her inside a truck with 67-year-old Michael Fosler on Highway 236 East.
- Fosler had been arrested in July 2024 on 43 felony counts, including sexual assault of a minor, internet stalking of a child and possession of child pornography, all related to Spencer’s daughter. He was released on $5,000 bond with a no-contact order.
- Spencer rammed Fosler’s truck off the road. During the confrontation, Spencer told investigators Fosler lunged at him saying “fuck you.” Spencer fired a Glock 19 pistol multiple times, striking Fosler 15 times in the chest, arms and abdomen. He then pistol-whipped Fosler before removing his daughter from the vehicle, reloading his weapon and calling 911. Fosler died at the scene.
Spencer was arrested by the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office and initially faced first-degree murder charges. Prosecutors later filed second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement. His trial, originally scheduled for early 2026, was delayed; a new date is expected to be set at a March hearing before Circuit Judge Barbara Elmore.
Spencer’s wife, Heather, launched a GiveSendGo fundraiser for legal fees, describing the case as the justice system failing their family by releasing Fosler on bond despite the charges and no-contact order.
Campaign and National Attention
Spencer announced his candidacy in October 2025, running against the same sheriff’s office that arrested him. An Army veteran and self-described farmer with no prior law enforcement experience, he campaigned on fixing what he called a broken justice system, improving jail conditions, increasing transparency and accountability, and better protecting families.
“I did what any good father would do,” Spencer has said in interviews, including with CNN.
The race drew national headlines from CNN, Fox News and others, with supporters hailing Spencer as a hero and calling for jury nullification or acquittal. Critics questioned his lack of experience and whether a murder defendant should run for sheriff. If convicted, he could not serve.
In campaign appearances, Spencer pledged reforms in interagency cooperation, jail management and constitutional training for deputies.
Lonoke County voters cast ballots Tuesday, with early voting showing strong turnout. Official results are expected to be certified in coming days.
The general election is Nov. 3, 2026. The Democratic primary winner was Brian Mitchell Sr.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Spencer’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday morning.
