An Army veteran and farmer in rural Arkansas has launched a bid for county sheriff while facing a murder charge for killing a man accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter, arguing the case exposes deep flaws in local law enforcement.

Aaron Spencer, 45, announced his Republican candidacy this month for Lonoke County sheriff, a role currently held by three-term incumbent John Staley, whose department arrested him in October 2024.

Spencer, out on bond and set for trial in early 2026, maintains he acted legally to protect his child after the system failed her. "I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed," he said in a video statement. "Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court."

Spencer's attorneys, Erin Cassinelli and Michael Kaiser, do not dispute he shot Michael Fosler, 67, but insist it fell within Arkansas self-defense statutes. Court records show Spencer found his daughter in Fosler's vehicle after waking to her absence, forced the truck off the road, and fired after a struggle, then called 911.

Fosler faced multiple child sex charges and was free on bond. "We believe it is clear that Aaron was justified under Arkansas law," Cassinelli said, adding the sheriff race won't sway the case.

Lonoke County Republican Committee Chair Jennifer Hopper noted community support for Spencer's bid, with many viewing the shooting as righteous. "Not from what I’ve seen," she said of backlash.

Prosecuting Attorney Chuck Graham did not comment. The March 2026 primary and November general will test voter views in the 76,000-resident county, 26 miles northeast of Little Rock.

The case has stirred debate on vigilante justice versus legal recourse, with Spencer framing his run as a push for reform. "I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures," he said.