An Arkansas man, Aaron Spencer, 36, was taken into custody after allegedly shooting and killing a man he believed was stalking his 14-year-old daughter. The incident occurred after Spencer reported his daughter missing on Tuesday, prompting a response from the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office. However, before the deputies arrived, Spencer discovered his daughter in a car with 67-year-old Michael Fosler, leading to a fatal confrontation.
This was not the first time the family had crossed paths with Fosler. According to Heather Spencer, Aaron’s wife, the family had previously obtained a “no contact order” against Fosler. Heather claimed in a social media post that Fosler had stalked and sexually assaulted their daughter during the summer, and they feared he might harm her further.
In July, Fosler was arrested on charges of internet stalking of a minor and sexual assault by a separate law enforcement agency. He was subsequently released on bond, according to Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley. The parents were unaware that Fosler had resumed contact with their daughter.
When Spencer found Fosler with his daughter, a heated argument broke out, culminating in Spencer allegedly shooting and killing Fosler. Responding deputies redirected their efforts, arresting Spencer on a preliminary charge of first-degree murder. He was detained at the Lonoke County Detention Center but was released after posting bail the next day.
Sheriff Staley clarified that the charge is not official and the decision to prosecute Spencer rests with the local district attorney. However, Heather criticized the sheriff’s office for their handling of the case, expressing her dissatisfaction on social media.
Sheriff Staley, in a video on social media, stated that no formal charges have been filed against Spencer. He emphasized his opposition to predators and expressed sympathy for the family. The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the events leading up to the shooting to determine any valid justification for the homicide.
In the meantime, Heather has set up accounts on Venmo and CashApp to collect donations for her husband’s legal defense fees. She initially started a GoFundMe campaign, but it was taken down as the platform’s terms of service prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of individuals charged with alleged violent crimes.