Aaron Spencer, Charged With Murder, Appears to Win Republican Nomination for County Sheriff in Arkansas
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Aaron Spencer, facing a second-degree murder charge for fatally shooting a man accused of sexually assaulting his daughter, appears to have won the Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff with about 54% of the vote.
- Lonoke County, a conservative area east of Little Rock with around 74,000 residents, is likely to elect Spencer in the general election, given the political landscape.
- Incumbent Sheriff John Staley conceded after 13 years in office, while Spencer pledged to restore accountability and integrity to the sheriff’s office.
- The shooting victim, Michael Fosler, faced multiple felony charges related to Spencer’s daughter and was shot during an attempted flight with her; Spencer’s defense centers on fear for his daughter
