A dramatic and tragic sequence of events unfolded in Lonoke County, Arkansas, when a father, Aaron Spencer, confronted a 67-year-old man, Michael Fosler, who was allegedly grooming his 14-year-old daughter. The confrontation turned deadly, resulting in Fosler’s shooting death.
According to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a 911 call regarding a missing juvenile at 1:12 am on October 8. En route to the scene, they learned Spencer had located his daughter in a vehicle with Fosler. A confrontation ensued, culminating in the fatal shooting.
Spencer was taken into custody, with preliminary charges of Murder in the First Degree. However, Sheriff John Stanley clarified that official charges have not been filed, emphasizing, “This is a tragic situation, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”
Heather Spencer, Aaron’s wife, took to social media to share alarming allegations. She claimed Fosler had “targeted, groomed, and ultimately raped” their daughter, prompting a no-contact order. The family was unaware their child had reestablished contact with Fosler.
Sheriff Stanley confirmed Fosler’s July arrest for internet stalking of a child and sexual assault. He was released on bond, sparking outrage from the Spencer family.
“He was looking at the rest of his pathetic life in jail, and our daughter was the only witness,” Heather Spencer wrote on Facebook. “We 100% thought he had taken her to kill her.”
Heather described the events leading to the fatal confrontation, stating her husband “blindly searched for our child” and encountered Fosler driving with their daughter. “The chase ended in an accident. Aaron was able to retrieve our child alive, but in the process, he was attacked and did what he had to do to protect himself and our minor child.”
Sheriff Stanley emphasized his department’s commitment to investigating the incident impartially. “When we get on scene and there’s a homicide, it means one person took the life of another. It’s either justified or not justified. That’s what the fact-finding, that’s what the investigation is going to find out.”
Aaron Spencer has been released on bail as investigators finalize their report for the prosecutor.
