Arkansas Dad Charged in 'Stand Your Ground' Shooting

In a move that's sure to spark debate in your local gun range, an Arkansas father has been charged with first-degree murder after finding his missing underage daughter in a car with a man and then doing what many red-blooded Americans might fantasize about—but shouldn't do.

This all went down in Lonoke County, about 75 miles northeast of Hot Springs. The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office got a call around 1:12 Tuesday morning about a missing juvenile. The girl? A mere 14 years old. The man? In his 60s. Yikes.

While deputies were en route, another call came in saying the father, Aaron Spencer, had found his daughter with a man named Michael Fosler. You can guess what happened next. "Confrontation" ensued, and Fosler ended up on the wrong side of a bullet.

Spencer was hauled off to the Lonoke County Detention Center but was released the next day, according to online jail records. He's facing a preliminary charge of first-degree murder, a Class Y felony. That's at least 10 years in the slammer, folks.

Sheriff John Staley shared a video on Facebook saying the investigation is ongoing. “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.”

Meanwhile, Mom's on a Mission

Heather Spencer, the girl's mother, took to Facebook to confirm that the family posted bail and is now trying to retain a lawyer. She said the family had a no-contact order against Fosler due to stalking.

Turns out, Fosler had been arrested earlier this year for internet stalking of a child and sexual assault. Sheriff Staley said, "This guy that preyed upon their daughter was released on bond... That bond would have been revoked."

GoFundMe? More like GoAwayMoney

In a twist, GoFundMe pulled the plug on the family's fundraiser for legal fees, citing their policy against funding legal defense for alleged violent crimes. Mom's now collecting money on Venmo and Cash App.

Sheriff Staley: 'I don't support predators'

Staley assured, “I absolutely do not support predators... I know she's hurt right now, but there's absolutely nobody I would put ahead of our children, their children, my children.”

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

Mom's Final Plea

In a final post, Heather Spencer thanked the community for their support and asked for prayers. She believes her husband is a hero and plans to open a bank account to raise funds.

The Power of the Prosecutor

Sheriff Staley clarified, "I don't file charges... We're in consultation with the prosecuting attorney about what to do in this preliminary stage."

Stay tuned, folks. This one's far from over.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.