An Arkansas father was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a man who was found in a vehicle with his missing 14-year-old daughter. Aaron Spencer, 36, reported his daughter missing, and deputies were dispatched to his home. However, Spencer found his daughter with Michael Fosler, 67, and a confrontation between the two men ended with Spencer shooting and killing Fosler. Spencer was arrested on a preliminary charge of first-degree murder but was released the next day after posting bail. The District Attorney’s Office will decide which charges to file against Spencer.
Sheriff John Staley stated that Spencer has not been formally charged yet and expressed condolences to those involved in the tragic situation. Spencer’s wife, Heather, revealed that Fosler had a “no contact order” with her daughter due to stalking and rape allegations. She and her husband feared for their daughter’s safety and were unaware Fosler was in contact with her again. Fosler had previously been arrested for internet stalking of a child and sexual assault in July. The incident remains under investigation by law enforcement.
Heather criticized the handling of the situation by the sheriff’s office and expressed gratitude for the support received from the community. Fosler had a history of preying on young girls, and other victims have come forward with allegations against him. A GoFundMe set up to pay for Spencer’s legal fees was removed by the platform due to their terms of service prohibiting fundraisers for individuals facing charges for alleged violent crimes. Funds are now being collected through Venmo and Cash App to support Spencer’s legal defense.
Sheriff Staley emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine whether the shooting was justified or not. He acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that the fact-finding process will uncover the truth behind the incident. Spencer’s wife described her husband as a hero and expressed gratitude for having him home with their family. She thanked other victims who shared their stories of abuse by Fosler, shedding light on his predatory behavior towards children.
The community continues to offer support and prayers for the family as they navigate the aftermath of the incident. Spencer’s actions are seen as a response to protecting his daughter from a dangerous individual with a history of exploiting and harming young girls. The tragic event has sparked discussions about the need for stronger protections for victims of stalking and sexual assault. The investigation into the shooting will provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident and help to ensure justice for all those involved.
