Murder charges against Aaron Spencer have been dismissed, marking a major turn in a case that has drawn statewide and national attention.
Spencer was charged with second-degree murder in the October 2024 fatal shooting of 67-year-old Michael Fosler. Prosecutors alleged Spencer confronted Fosler after finding him with his teenage daughter, leading to the fatal shooting.
Court records and prior reporting show Fosler had been facing multiple sexual offense charges involving Spencer’s then-13-year-old daughter and was out on bond at the time of the incident.
According to court documents, the case was dismissed because of how law enforcement handled missing dash-camera evidence.
There was a dash camera inside Spencer’s truck that could have recorded the altercation that led to the shooting. According to a motion for dismissal, police did not handle the camera like other evidence.
The defense argues that the camera’s SD card containing the video went missing with no clear documentation showing when it disappeared, where it disappeared, who last had it, or what efforts were made to locate it. The motion also alleges that the presence of the camera and disappearance of the SD card were not disclosed to the defense for months.
Judge Ralph Wilson ruled that “the loss or destruction of the internal SD memory card of the dash camera has adversely impaired the Defendant’s ability to defend himself pursuant to these defenses, and thus his right to a fair trial.”
“Based on the totality of the circumstances and the unique, specific, and particular facts and circumstances of this case, the Court finds that conduct by law enforcement was so egregious that dismissal of this case is warranted. Therefore, this case is dismissed,” an order granting the dismissal said.
Spencer pleaded not guilty and said he acted to protect his child. His attorneys previously argued the shooting was justified under Arkansas law, framing the case as self-defense and defense of others.
The case had been delayed multiple times over pretrial proceedings, including disputes over evidence and court rulings that drew additional legal scrutiny. Jury trial was set to begin on June 22.
Spencer’s legal situation also gained widespread attention as he entered politics, ultimately winning the Republican nomination for Lonoke County sheriff while still facing the murder charge.
With the charges now dismissed, it remains unclear what impact the decision will have on Spencer’s candidacy and the upcoming general election.
Officials have not yet released full details on the dismissal or whether any conditions were attached to the decision.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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