An Arkansas father awaiting trial on second-degree murder charges after the suspected sex offender fatally shot his teenage daughter has won the Republican nomination for Lonoke County sheriff. Aaron Spencer defeated incumbent Sheriff John Staley in Tuesday’s primary, winning more than 53% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Arkansas Secretary of State, Fox News reported.Spencer allegedly shot and killed Vosler in October 2024 after he woke up and found his daughter missing from the family home. He found his daughter inside Vosler’s truck and forced the vehicle off the highway before an altercation led to a shootout.
After shooting and killing Vossler, Spencer called 911.Before his death, Vosler had been accused of “numerous sex crimes” against Spencer’s daughter and was out on bond at the time of the shooting, court records show.Spencer, a farmer and Army veteran, was out on bail awaiting trial, which was initially scheduled for January. He pleaded not guilty.Although Staley’s deputies arrested Spencer in 2024, Staley offered congratulations after the results were tallied.
“Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision,” Staley wrote in a Facebook post.Spencer was scheduled to run against Democrat Brian Mitchell Sr. in November. If convicted, Spencer will not be able to serve as sheriff.“Through my fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our courts,” Spencer said in a video announcing his campaign. “And I refuse to stand idly by while others face the same failures.”He added: “This campaign is not about me.” “It’s about every parent, every neighbor, every family deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in the community. It’s restoring trust where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side, and families know they won’t be left alone in their moment of need.”
