An Arkansas judge has dismissed murder charges against Aaron Spencer, an Army veteran and local sheriff candidate, accused of shooting a man who allegedly assaulted his teenage daughter. Spencer was initially charged with second-degree murder for killing 67-year-old Michael Fosler in Lonoke County in October 2024.
According to court documents, Special Circuit Court Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. dismissed the charges on Thursday. Prosecutors had previously claimed Spencer found Fosler alone with his daughter in Fosler’s truck during early morning hours on October 8, 2024. Authorities stated that Spencer forced the truck off the road and reported to 911 that he had shot Fosler.
The judge pointed out that law enforcement mishandled dash-camera and SD card evidence from Spencer’s truck. The judge described dismissal as a rare and drastic remedy, but due to the circumstances, it was justified. “Based on the totality of the circumstances,” the judge noted, “conduct by law enforcement was so egregious that dismissal of this case is warranted.”
Spencer’s defense argued that the SD card, potentially containing crucial footage of the incident, was lost. No documentation was provided to explain its disappearance, impairing Spencer’s defense and his right to a fair trial, according to court documents.
Spencer later announced his intention to run for sheriff in Arkansas, following his arrest. He won the Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff, promising to reform the law enforcement agency. “Through my own fight for justice,” Spencer shared in a campaign video, “I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court.”
Fosler had faced “numerous sexual offenses” charges against Spencer’s daughter and was out on bond during the shooting. Spencer admitted to the shooting but pleaded not guilty. The trial was scheduled for June 22, but the future impact on his candidacy remains unclear.
Fox News Digital reached out for comments to the Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, and Spencer’s defense team.
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