Arkansas Man Charged With Murder Wins Republican Primary In Sheriff Election

A man awaiting trial for nan murder of his teenage daughter’s alleged abuser won nan Republican nomination for section sheriff successful his agrarian county, wherever he ran connected nan message of fixing failures successful law enforcement.

Aaron Spencer defeated Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley by winning much than 53% of nan ballot successful Tuesday’s primary elections, according to unofficial results posted by nan Arkansas caput of state. He would not beryllium capable to service if he were convicted of sidesplitting Michael Fosler, 67, who astatine nan clip was retired connected enslaved aft being charged pinch galore intersexual offenses against Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter.

Staley, whose section arrested Spencer successful 2024, conceded nan loss.

“Congratulations to Mr. Spencer. Tonight nan voters made their determination successful nan Republican Primary, and I respect nan decision,” Staley said successful a connection posted connected Facebook.

Spencer’s attorneys do not contradict that he changeable and killed Fosler but support he acted wrong nan rule to protect his kid from a predator.

Spencer said successful a connection that his message of accountability resonated pinch voters.

“Tonight, nan group of Lonoke County stood up and chose transparency and accountability,” Spencer said. “This wasn’t a run astir me. It was astir each family who called for thief and sewage nothing. That betrayal ends tonight.”

He is now group to look Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. successful nan heavy Republican region successful November.

Spencer has pleaded not blameworthy and is retired connected enslaved while awaiting trial, which was primitively scheduled to commencement successful January. The proceedings was delayed aft nan presiding judge was removed from nan case. A caller day has not been set.

Court documents show that connected nan nighttime of nan October 2024 shooting, Spencer woke up to find his girl missing from her chamber and went searching for her successful his truck. He recovered nan woman successful nan rider spot of a conveyance Fosler was driving. Spencer yet forced Fosler’s motortruck disconnected nan road and, aft an altercation, called 911 to study he had changeable nan man, records show.

Prosecutors reason Spencer had planned to termination Fosler moreover earlier that nighttime and that he could person called nan constabulary while pursuing Fosler.

Spencer's attorney, Erin Cassinelli, wrote successful an email to The Associated Press that nan predetermination results person nary base connected nan facts of nan case.

“Aaron Spencer did precisely what nan rule allows and precisely what immoderate begetter would do: he protected his girl and himself from harm,” Cassinelli said. “At immoderate point, those responsible for this prosecution will person to reckon pinch that.”

Spencer pledged successful a Facebook station past period that if elected, he would found a dedicated squad to combat activity crimes against children.