Father Charged with First-Degree Murder After Shooting Man Found With Missing Daughter

LONOKE COUNTY, ARKANSAS — A central Arkansas father, Aaron Spencer, has been charged with first-degree murder after fatally shooting a man found in a car with his missing 14-year-old daughter. The incident occurred in Lonoke County, about 75 miles northeast of Hot Springs.

Incident Report

The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office received a call around 1:12 Tuesday morning about a missing juvenile, according to a news release on Facebook. When deputies arrived at the scene, they were informed that Spencer had found his daughter with a man named Michael Fosler, who is in his 60s.

A confrontation ensued, and Fosler was shot, later being pronounced dead at the scene. Spencer was arrested and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center. He was released at 1:12 p.m. on Wednesday, according to online jail records.

Spencer faces a preliminary charge of first-degree murder, a Class Y felony, which carries a sentence of at least 10 years and up to 40 years or life in prison, according to legal website Justia.

Sheriff's Statement

Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley said in a video posted on Facebook that the investigation is still ongoing, releasing limited details. The prosecutor will determine the final charges.

“I have not, nor will I, advocate for any specific charge,” Staley said. “This is a tragic situation and my thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”

Family's Perspective

Heather Spencer, the girl’s mother, confirmed on Facebook that the family posted bail for Aaron Spencer. She shared that they have started a fundraiser to retain a lawyer.

“We are private people, so all of this being public has been very difficult,” Spencer said on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.

The family had a no-contact order in place for Fosler due to stalking. Fosler was arrested earlier this year for internet stalking of a child and sexual assault, Sheriff Staley confirmed.

Community Fundraiser

The GoFundMe fundraiser for legal funds was removed, and funds were returned to donors. According to a GoFundMe spokesperson, the platform's Terms of Service prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of individuals charged with violent crimes.

Sheriff’s Response

“I absolutely do not support predators,” Staley stated. “I'm a daddy. I have three daughters. I know she's hurt right now, but there's absolutely nobody I would put ahead of our children, their children, my children.”

Staley stressed that he does not have the authority to file charges, and the investigation is ongoing.

“When we get on scene and there's a homicide, it means one person took the life of another,” Staley said. “It's either justified or not justified. That's what the fact finding, that's what the investigation is going to find out.”

Community Support

Heather Spencer thanked community members and other victims for their support. She also criticized the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office for allegedly protecting predators.

“My husband is a hero and we are so thankful to have him home with us for now,” Spencer wrote on Thursday morning.

In her latest post on Friday morning, she expressed gratitude for the community's support and plans to open a bank account to raise more funds.