On October 8, 2024, an Arkansas father enacted a bit of vigilante justice that ended in a man’s death. Aaron Spencer, then 36, reported finding his 13-year-old daughter in a car with 67-year-old Michael Fosler. An argument erupted, and Spencer reportedly shot and killed Fosler. The case made headlines with many supporting Spencer and praising him for taking out a predator with more than three dozen criminal counts against him. Now, a year later, Spencer hopes to be sheriff of Lonoke County to continue protecting children.
Spencer announced his campaign in a Facebook video on October 10, 2025. He introduced himself to Lonoke County as the “father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed.”
Spencer wants people to know that he’s serious about crime and keeping children safe.
“This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in their community,” Spencer shared. “It’s about restoring trust where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side, and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need.”
According to the Arkansas Times, there’s just one little issue with Spencer’s campaign: He might not be eligible to be sheriff if a court convicts him of second-degree murder. If he is eligible to serve, he’d face incumbent Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley, who’s been in office since 2013.
Those who support Spencer don’t seem too concerned about his ability to win. They want families in their community to feel safe.
“I was working dispatch when this call came through,” a supporter wrote. “My officer went to assist. You definitely got our votes!”
Some parents loved what Spencer did to protect his child. “As a Dad I would 100% do the same thing no questions asked,” someone shared.
Others want to move closer to cast their votes. “Low key wished we lived in Lonoke Co just for this election,” another supporter wrote. “So exciting for your family! You will do great things as Sheriff!”
This is a complicated case because, as much as we want to protect our kids, we can’t just go around killing people to do it. On the other hand, Fosler appeared to be a serious threat to the community, and it’s understandable that Spencer may have let his emotions take over in a vulnerable moment. At the end of the day, a man is dead, and the guilty should be held responsible for their crimes.
It will be interesting to see if Spencer spends his time in prison or gets to focus on putting other criminals behind bars.
