Trigger-Happy Dad Unleashes Fury, Gets Murder Charges After Killing 'Predator'

In a tale as old as time (well, as old as toxic masculinity), a central Arkansas father has been charged with first-degree murder after finding his missing underage daughter in a car with a man and deciding to play judge, jury, and executioner.

The shooting unfolded in Lonoke County, about 75 miles northeast of Hot Springs, where apparently, the hills have eyes, and the dads have guns. The saga began when someone called the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office around 1:12 Tuesday morning about a missing 14-year-old juvenile, as per the sheriff’s Facebook news release. The man who was shot was in his 60s, confirmed Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley to USA TODAY on Friday afternoon.

En route to the home, authorities received another call reporting that the father, Aaron Spencer, had found his daughter with a man named Michael Fosler. In a classic display of "how not to handle a situation," the two had a "confrontation," leading to Fosler being shot and pronounced dead at the scene.

Spencer was promptly taken into custody and booked at the Lonoke County Detention Center. According to online jail records, 36-year-old Spencer was released at 1:12 p.m. on Wednesday. He faces a "preliminary charge" of first-degree murder, a Class Y felony, which could land him 10 to 40 years in prison or even a life sentence, according to Justia.

Sheriff Staley, in a video posted on Facebook, stated that the investigation is ongoing and details are limited. “I have not, nor will I, advocate for any specific charge,” Staley stated. “This is a tragic situation and my thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.” Thoughts and prayers, huh? How about an actual solution, Sheriff?

Bail and Fundraising Drama

Heather Spencer, identifying herself as the girl's mother, shared updates on Facebook, confirming that the family posted bail but started a GoFundMe to retain a lawyer. “We are private people, so all of this being public has been very difficult,” shared Spencer on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.

Predator in the Spotlight

Fosler had been arrested earlier this year for internet stalking of a child and sexual assault, Sheriff Staley told USA TODAY on Friday afternoon. Heather Spencer claimed they had a no-contact order against Fosler due to stalking.

"We absolutely called 911 during the entire event,” she wrote. “We had no idea this man was in contact with our child again.” She accused the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office of mishandling the case, writing, “I’m deeply offended by the way this was handled.”

Sheriff Staley Speaks

While speaking to USA TODAY, Sheriff Staley defended his actions: “I absolutely do not support predators... 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.”

Fundraiser Fiasco

GoFundMe removed the family’s fundraiser due to their Terms of Service prohibiting funds for legal defense of those formally charged with an alleged violent crime. Heather Spencer is now collecting money on Venmo and Cash App.

Community Support and Outrage

Heather Spencer thanked the community for support and highlighted the predator’s history. “The Lonoke County Sheriff's Office's actions are proof that the sheriff ‘supports predators’ and that he will prosecute those who are trying to protect their families,” she wrote.

County Sheriff’s Response

Sheriff Staley concluded, "We're going to get this wrapped up as expeditiously as we can, and get the file to the prosecutor so he can make an informed decision."

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.