Arkansas Sheriff Nominee Awaiting Second‑Degree Murder Trial Wins GOP Primary in Lonoke County
Aaron Spencer, an Army veteran, farmer and political newcomer charged with second-degree murder in the October 2024 killing of 67‑year‑old Michael Fosler — whom authorities say was out on bond on sexual‑offense charges involving Spencer’s daughter — won the GOP primary for Lonoke County sheriff, defeating incumbent John Staley with more than 53% of the vote according to unofficial results. Spencer, who is out on bond and whose trial has been delayed from its initial January date, says he acted after finding his daughter with Fosler and has framed his campaign as a response to “failures in law enforcement” and a promise to “restore trust.”
📌 Key Facts
- Aaron Spencer won the GOP primary in Lonoke County, receiving more than 53% of the vote and defeating incumbent Sheriff John Staley, according to unofficial Arkansas Secretary of State results.
- Spencer is charged with second-degree murder for the October 2024 killing of 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who prosecutors say was out on bond on numerous sexual-offense charges and is accused of sexually abusing Spencer's 13-year-old daughter.
- Authorities say Spencer forced Fosler’s truck off the highway, an altercation led to a shootout, and Spencer called 911 after the shooting.
- Spencer is an Army veteran and farmer, described as a political and law-enforcement newcomer; he is currently out on bond and his trial, originally set for January, has been delayed.
- Spencer has framed his candidacy around the October killing, saying his run responds to 'failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court' and promising to 'restore trust' in a campaign video.
- Lonoke County has about 74,000 residents and is heavily Republican, providing context for the primary outcome.
📰 Source Timeline (3)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
March 04, 2026
8:05 PM
Arkansas county voters nominate murder defendant for sheriff
New information:
- Confirms Aaron Spencer is an Army veteran and a political and law‑enforcement newcomer.
- Clarifies that Lonoke County has about 74,000 residents and is heavily Republican.
- Reiterates that Spencer’s candidacy is explicitly grounded in the October 2024 killing of a 67‑year‑old man accused of sexually abusing his 13‑year‑old daughter, whom he says he found in a car with the man.
7:11 PM
Arkansas man accused of killing daughter's alleged abuser wins GOP nomination in sheriff's race
New information:
- Fox piece confirms Spencer’s GOP primary win margin at more than 53% over incumbent Sheriff John Staley, citing unofficial Arkansas Secretary of State results.
- It reiterates that Spencer is charged with second-degree murder for the October 2024 killing of 67‑year‑old Michael Fosler, who was out on bond on 'numerous sexual offenses' involving Spencer’s daughter.
- The article notes Spencer forced Fosler’s truck off the highway, says an 'altercation led to a shootout,' and that Spencer called 911 after the shooting.
- Spencer is identified as an Army veteran and farmer, currently out on bond; his trial, initially set for January, has been delayed.
- The story quotes Spencer’s campaign video framing his run as a response to 'failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court' and his promise to 'restore trust.'