Man Awaiting Murder Trial Wins GOP Primary for Sheriff

An Arkansas man awaiting trial in a murder case has won the Republican primary for sheriff in Lonoke County.

Aaron Spencer secured the GOP nomination on Tuesday with about 54% of more than 10,000 votes cast, defeating incumbent Sheriff John Staley, who received nearly 27%, as well as another challenger. Whether Spencer ultimately becomes sheriff will depend on both the results of the November general election and the outcome of his pending murder trial. If convicted, he would be barred from holding elected office.

Spencer, an Army veteran and farmer, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of 67-year-old Michael Fosler. Authorities say Fosler had previously been charged with dozens of sexual offenses involving Spencer’s 13-year-old daughter. Spencer’s attorneys acknowledge that he shot Fosler but argue he acted within the law to protect his child.

According to court records, the incident occurred in October 2024 after Spencer woke up and discovered his daughter missing from her bedroom. While searching for her, he reportedly found her sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle driven by Fosler. Investigators say Spencer forced the vehicle off the road and, following an altercation, shot Fosler. Spencer later called 911 to report the shooting.

At the time, Fosler had been ordered not to contact the girl and was out on bail after being charged with 43 counts, including internet stalking of a child, sexual assault, and sexual indecency with a minor.

Spencer launched his campaign for sheriff while awaiting trial, saying his personal experience revealed serious shortcomings in the local justice system.

“Many of you know my story,” Spencer said in a campaign video. “I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed. 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 the same failures.”

Spencer ran as a Republican to replace Staley, whose department arrested him in 2024. Local Republican Party chair Jennifer Hopper said many residents in the county of about 76,000 people appear supportive of Spencer’s candidacy, with some believing the shooting was justified.

Spencer’s trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 26, roughly six weeks before the March primary that he has now won. The general election for Lonoke County sheriff will be held in November 2026.

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