An Arkansas circuit court judge dismissed a second-degree murder charge on Thursday against Lonoke County sheriff candidate Aaron Spencer after authorities lost critical video evidence from the shooting scene.
Judge Ralph Wilson ruled that the loss of a dashboard camera memory card from the victim's truck was egregious enough to warrant dismissal, given the unique facts of the case.
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The 37-year-old US Army combat veteran faced the charge following the October 8, 2024, fatal shooting of 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who was accused of sexually abusing Spencer's 13-year-old daughter.
Prosecutors had contended that Spencer illegally killed Fosler after chasing his truck and forcing it off the highway, arguing the father should have contacted law enforcement instead of taking action himself.
Spencer, who pleaded not guilty, never denied shooting Fosler but maintained his actions were a lawful defense of his daughter, who was the sole witness in Fosler's pending case involving over 40 child abuse charges.
Spencer's Response and Campaign
Following the court's decision, Spencer released a statement expressing relief and gratitude. "I'm grateful this chapter is closed," he said.
The candidate stated that the legal ordeal, which began while he was entering the political arena, has strengthened his resolve for the upcoming election.
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He added that he is "more committed … than ever."
Spencer also thanked community members who provided support throughout the high-profile prosecution.
"I want to thank the people … who stood with us when it would have been easier to look the other way," he stated.
The independent candidate noted that his experience within the criminal justice system motivated his campaign to lead the local sheriff's office.
"There's still work to do in Lonoke," he said.
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Spencer previously defeated the incumbent Republican sheriff John Staley, who had overseen his arrest, in a March primary and will face Democratic candidate Brian Mitchell Sr. in November.
