Father charged with killing 13-year-old daughter’s 67-year-old rapist runs for sheriff in Arkansas
“This campaign isn’t about me; it’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and in their community.”
An Arkansas father and veteran has launched his campaign for sheriff in Lonoke County, saying that the system that “failed” him when he acted to “protect his daughter” led to him launching his bid. Aaron Spencer has been charged with killing the 67-year-old man who was found with Spencer’s missing daughter. That man had already been charged with sexual offenses against Spencer’s teen daughter.
In a video posted to Facebook on Friday, Spencer said, “I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed. I’m also a husband, combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, a contractor, and a farmer.”
“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 continued.
“This campaign isn’t about me; it’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and in their community. It’s about restoring trust, where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side and families know they will not be left alone in a moment of need.”
Spencer was charged with second-degree murder for the October 2024 shooting death of 67-year-old Michael Fosler. Court documents revealed that Fosler had been charged with “numerous sexual offenses” against Spencer’s teen daughter.
The May 2025 document from the Superior Court of Arkansas stated, “on the night of the shooting, Spencer awoke to his dog barking and realized that his daughter was gone. Spencer found a ‘hoodie’ on a stuffed animal placed in her bed. As a result, he left in his truck to search for her.”
“Spencer located Fosler’s truck—with his daughter inside—and he forced Fosler’s truck off the highway. After an altercation, Spencer called 911 to report that he had shot Fosler. Fosler died at the scene.”
Spencer’s wife, Heather, said in a fundraiser set up for her husband’s defense that “In spring/summer 2024 our then 13 year old child was targeted, groomed and ultimately raped by the boyfriend of a family friend.”
Per the New York Post, Spencer is due in court on December 16 for a pre-trial date. His trial is set to begin on January 26, 2026.