UPDATE***
LONOKE, Ark. – A father’s actions to save his daughter from an alleged predator have drawn widespread attention and support as he faces second-degree murder charges in Lonoke County.
Aaron Spencer, a combat veteran and father, fatally shot 67-year-old Michael Fosler on October 8, 2024, during a confrontation after discovering Fosler in a vehicle with his 14-year-old daughter.
A Family’s Harrowing Journey
Months before the incident, the Spencer family’s nightmare began when their then-13-year-old daughter was allegedly groomed and sexually assaulted by a man connected to a family friend. Heather Spencer, Aaron’s wife, explained, “Our family did not know this monster. He just appeared in a place where our child should have been safe and got access to her phone number. And that’s all it took.”
The man was arrested and charged but was released on a $50,000 bond while awaiting a December court date for several felony charges.
The nightmare deepened in the early hours of October 8 when the family awoke to their daughter’s dog barking. Realizing their child was missing, the family launched a frantic search, contacting friends, family, and 911. Aaron set out on the roads near their home in search of his daughter.
By what Heather described as “God’s never failing grace,” Aaron encountered Fosler driving with their daughter in the vehicle. A high-speed chase ensued, ending in a crash. Aaron retrieved his daughter alive but was reportedly attacked by Fosler during the confrontation. Acting to protect himself and his daughter, Aaron fired the fatal shot.
Legal and Public Reaction
Aaron was arrested at the scene and initially charged with first-degree murder, later reduced to second-degree. Released on a $150,000 bond, Aaron now faces a legal battle to defend his actions.
Heather Spencer has publicly called the charges “outrageous” and launched a fundraising campaign to help cover legal costs. “My husband is a combat veteran who has always protected his country and family. I have no doubt our child would not have come home if my husband hadn’t found her,” Heather said.
Gun Owners of Arkansas, a nonprofit advocacy group, has joined the Spencers in supporting Aaron, asserting that his actions fall within Arkansas’ self-defense laws. “This could have happened to any of us protecting our families,” the group said, encouraging donations to their Defense Fund to assist the family and others in similar situations.
Seeking Justice and Support
The Spencer family is now navigating an emotionally and financially draining legal process. “We need to retain a legal team,” Heather said. “I’m starting this campaign with a goal of $50,000, but I understand now it will likely cost much more.”
Donations and prayers are welcomed as the family fights to keep Aaron home. To contribute,You can Donate Here: https://gunownersarkansas.org/defense-fund/#:~:text=Gun%20Owners%20of%20Arkansas%20is,more%20than%20just%20moral%20support.
This case has sparked national debates over self-defense and justice, with many rallying around Aaron as a hero who acted to protect his child. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Spencer family continues to call for prayers and support, emphasizing that Aaron belongs with his family, not behind bars.
***ORIGINAL ARTICLE***
LONOKE, Ark. — An Arkansas father faces second-degree murder charges after fatally shooting a man he found with his 14-year-old daughter in a car.
According to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 1:12 a.m. on October 8 when deputies responded to reports of a missing teenager at a home on Highway 236 East.
Authorities said the teen’s father, Aaron Spencer, discovered his daughter in a vehicle with 67-year-old Michael Fosler. A confrontation ensued, and during the heated exchange, Spencer allegedly shot Fosler. Deputies arrived shortly after and pronounced Fosler dead at the scene.
Spencer was arrested and transported to the Lonoke County Detention Center, where he was charged with second-degree murder.
Following his arrest, Spencer’s attorneys issued a statement condemning the charges:
“We are not just disappointed – we are outraged by this decision. Aaron Spencer is a decorated war hero and a devoted father who acted to protect his child from a predator. He is certainly not a criminal.”
Court records revealed that Fosler faced multiple charges, including two counts of internet stalking of a child, two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault, two counts of sexual indecency with a child, and 36 counts of possessing child sexual abuse materials.
Authorities confirmed that the teenager is safe but did not disclose any prior connection between Fosler and the family. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not provided additional details at this time.
