A judge has dismissed a murder charge against Aaron Spencer, the Republican nominee for Lonoke County sheriff in Arkansas. The decision followed allegations of missing evidence and misconduct by law enforcement.
Aaron Spencer had been accused of murdering a man who allegedly abused his daughter. The charge was dismissed on the grounds that crucial dashboard camera footage was lost, potentially showing the fatal encounter.
Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. stated that the loss of this evidence violated Mr. Spencer’s due process rights. “The Court finds that conduct by law enforcement was so egregious that dismissal of this case is warranted,” the judge wrote.
Court documents reveal Mr. Spencer admitted to shooting Michael Fosler, who faced charges for sexually assaulting Spencer’s daughter, then 13 years old. The incident occurred a month after these assault charges had been filed.
On the night of October 8, 2024, Mr. Spencer discovered his teenage daughter missing from her bedroom. He found her in a car with Mr. Fosler, who was out on bond. Mr. Spencer reported that when his daughter tried to leave the vehicle, Mr. Fosler restrained her. In response, Mr. Spencer shot Mr. Fosler.
Spencer pleaded not guilty, claiming he acted to defend his daughter. State prosecutors argued the killing was premeditated and suggested Mr. Spencer should have called law enforcement upon finding the pair.
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