An Arkansas man awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge has secured the Republican nomination for sheriff in Lonoke County.
According to Fox News, Aaron Spencer defeated incumbent John Staley in Tuesday’s GOP primary, earning more than 53% of the vote, according to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Spencer was charged after allegedly shooting and killing 67-year-old Michael Fosler in October 2024.
Authorities said Spencer woke up to find his teenage daughter missing from their home. He later located her inside Fosler’s truck and forced the vehicle off the highway. An altercation followed, ending in a shootout that left Fosler dead.
After the shooting, Spencer called 911.
Court records show Fosler had previously been charged with “numerous sexual offenses” involving Spencer’s daughter and was out on bond at the time of his death.
Spencer, an Army veteran and farmer, has pleaded not guilty. He is currently free on bond while awaiting trial, which had initially been scheduled for January.
Despite his office arresting Spencer in 2024, Staley publicly accepted the primary outcome.
“Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley wrote in a Facebook post.
Spencer will now face Democratic nominee Brian Mitchell Sr. in November’s general election.
If convicted of the murder charge, Spencer would be unable to serve as sheriff.
In a campaign video announcing his run, Spencer framed his candidacy around his personal experience with the justice system.
“Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court. And I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures,” he said.
“This campaign isn’t about me,” Spencer added. “It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in the community. It’s restoring trust where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need.”
