A man awaiting trial for second-degree murder has been nominated to run for county sheriff in central Arkansas, US. Aaron Spencer has won the Republican primary election for Lonoke County sheriff.
Spencer received 53.5% of the vote in Tuesday’s sheriff primary race, defeating the incumbent, John Staley, who received 26.5%. Spencer, 37, is set to face the Democrat primary winner in an election in November. However, reports suggest Spencer is likely to go on trial before then.
Spencer faces a second-degree murder charge in the October 2024 fatal shooting of Michael Fosler, 67, after allegedly finding him with his teen daughter.
Court documents show Fosler was charged with sexually assaulting Spencer’s 14-year-old daughter and was out on bond at the time of the shooting, The Times reports.
Spencer has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers have reportedly argued he shot Fosler to protect his daughter from his alleged abuser.
*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***
Prosecutors say his “understandable rage” did not give him the legal right to kill Fosler, according to reports.
Speaking to CNN last month, Spencer said he could not speak in detail about his ongoing criminal case, but told the broadcaster: “I did what any good father would do, just save and protect their child, that’s going to definitely show in our strong legal defence.”
He also said he decided to run for Lonoke County sheriff to protect victims of child sexual abuse, CNN reported.
Reacting to his primary victory, Spencer said: “Lonoke County sent a clear message last night, and we’re just getting started.
“I’m running to restore accountability and integrity to the Sheriff’s Office, and the people of this county just showed they want the same thing.
“Let’s finish the job and build a safer, stronger Lonoke County together. If you’re with us heading into November, I’d be grateful for your support.”
Spencer’s trial was originally scheduled to start in January but was postponed, reports say. No new date has been set as it stands.
If elected and then found guilty, he would not be allowed to serve as sheriff.
