An Arkansas father awaiting trial for killing a person who allegedly sexually abused his daughter has received the Republican nomination in a county sheriff’s race, in accordance with experiences.
Aaron Spencer garnered greater than half of the votes— about 53% — in Lonoke County, beating present Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley — who obtained greater than 26% of votes — within the major elections held Tuesday, March 3, in accordance with state outcomes. Spencer additionally beat one other candidate, David A. Buffordwho garnered almost 20% of the votes.
Staley congratulated Spencer on his win in a put up shared to Fb, through which the sheriff wrote: “Tonight the voters made their resolution within the Republican Major, and I respect the choice.”
Spencer, 37, is about to go to trial in reference to the October 2024 demise of Michael Foslerwho had been dealing with felony costs in reference to the sexual abuse of Spencer’s daughter when she was 13, the Related Press reported.
If he’s discovered responsible, Spencer can be ineligible to serve as sheriffin accordance with The Related Press.
Following the first elections, Spencer stated in an announcement shared to Fb on Wednesday, March 4, that “Lonoke County despatched a transparent message final night time, and we’re simply getting began.”
“I’m working to revive accountability and integrity to the Sheriff’s Workplace, and the folks of this county simply confirmed they need the identical factor,” Spencer added.
Spencer is accused of capturing Fosler to demise in 2024 after he found Fosler inside Fosler’s truck with Spencer’s daughter, in accordance with court docket data considered by the Arkansas Advocate. He’s dealing with a second-degree homicide cost over the capturing.
In a marketing campaign video shared to Fb in October, Spencer stated “I’m the daddy who acted to guard his daughter when the system failed.”
“And thru my very own struggle for justice, I’ve seen firsthand the failures in regulation enforcement and in our circuit court docket,” Spencer added.
Prosecutors have accused Spencer of getting a plan to kill Fosler, the Related Press reported.
Certainly one of his protection attorneys, Erin Cassinellistated in an emailed assertion to Us Weekly on Thursday, March 5, that “Aaron did precisely what the regulation permits and precisely what any father would do: he protected his daughter and himself from hurt.”
“In some unspecified time in the future, these chargeable for this prosecution must reckon with that,” Cassinelli added.
“Lonoke County residents have rallied behind Aaron — not simply in his authorized protection, however in his broader mission to carry accountability to a county authorities that has lengthy operated with out it,” Cassinelli additionally stated. “Each time the information of this case have come into focus, assist for Aaron has grown. We anticipate the trial to be no totally different. Now we have full confidence within the fact of Aaron’s innocence.”
Within the fall, Spencer will run towards the Democratic candidate for Lonoke County sheriff, Brian Mitchell Sr.in accordance with the Arkansas Advocate.
Within the meantime, he’s awaiting a brand new trial date after his felony trial, which was set to happen in January, was delayed, the information outlet reported.

