County sheriff primaries almost never garner national attention, but one race in Arkansas continues to hold the attention of the country as it advances to its next chapter. Aaron Spencer won the March 3 primary over two challengers to make the general election ballot for Lonoke County Sheriff — assuming he’s still a free man by then.
Spencer is awaiting trial for second-degree murder, which was supposed to commence in January but has been postponed without a new date yet set. He stands accused in the 2024 shooting death of Michael Fosler, who was accused of sexually abusing Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter.
Fosler was facing 43 criminal counts in the teen’s case, including internet stalking of a child, sexual assault, sexual indecency with a child and possession of child pornography. Spencer admitted to killing the alleged abuser after a confrontation while Fosler was out on bail, but has pleaded not guilty in the murder case.
In an interview with CNN last month, Spencer said he “did what any good father would do” and that he decided to run to protect others from sexual predators.
“I saw all the things that were happening. Not with just my own case, but with other people that reached out and shared their stories (of abuse),” he told CNN. “I felt called to do it. I was struggling with sitting (it) out … and not doing something.”
Spencer received considerable support online following his arrest, and that showed up at the polls. The Republican veteran advanced with 53.5 percent of the vote, defeating longtime incumbent John Staley, who got about half that, and David Bufford, who received less than 20 percent of the vote.
Whether Spencer ultimately runs the jailhouse or resides in it remains to be seen. His trial was originally scheduled for late January in Lonoke County but was postponed after the Arkansas Supreme Court recused the judge at the defense’s request. A hearing has been scheduled to select a new trial date.
If found guilty of murder, the county’s Republicans would need to pick a new nominee for sheriff. Meanwhile, Spencer keeps on keeping on, prepared for whatever lies ahead.
“This was not a calculated step. I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement. I’m a man of character. I can’t sit here and watch other neighbors and friends go through this same thing, because I know how hard it is to go through it,” he told CNN last month.
“I’m as prepared as anyone can be. I just take it day by day.”
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