An Arkansas judge has dismissed murder charges against Aaron Spencer, a sheriff candidate and Army veteran, accused of shooting Michael Fosler. The incident involved allegations that Fosler had sexually assaulted Spencer’s teenage daughter.
Initially charged with second-degree murder, Spencer faced allegations from prosecutors that he found Fosler with his daughter in Fosler’s truck on the morning of October 8, 2024. Law enforcement claimed Spencer forced the truck off the road and reported the shooting to 911.
The charges were dismissed by Special Circuit Court Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. on Thursday. The judge noted issues with law enforcement’s handling of dash-camera and SD card evidence from Spencer’s truck. He described the dismissal as “an extraordinary and extreme remedy” due to the “egregious” conduct by law enforcement in this case.
“The loss or destruction of the internal SD memory card of the dash camera has adversely impaired the Defendant’s ability to defend himself, thus his right to a fair trial,” the judge ruled.
Spencer’s defense argued that law enforcement lost the SD card containing potential evidence and failed to document its disappearance.
Fosler, 67, had been charged with multiple sexual offenses against Spencer’s daughter and was on bond at the time of the shooting. After the incident, Spencer ran for sheriff and won the Republican primary in Lonoke County, pledging to reform local law enforcement.
Spencer had admitted to the shooting but pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. His trial was scheduled for June 22. The implications of the dismissal on his candidacy for sheriff remain unclear.
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