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Arkansas dad accused of killing man he found with daughter, 14, could use ‘heat of passion’ defense: attorney

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Arkansas dad accused of killing man he found with daughter, 14, could use ‘heat of passion’ defense: attorney


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Defense lawyers for an Arkansas father accused of fatally shooting his 14-year-old daughter’s suspected stalker will likely get charges against him reduced, according to an expert.

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Aaron Spencer, 36, reported his daughter missing last Tuesday, and Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to his home. But on their way they learned that Spencer had found his daughter in 67-year-old Michael Fosler’s car and that the father had shot the other man dead in the ensuing confrontation. 

Spencer was arrested on a preliminary charge of first-degree murder, a Class Y felony, and booked into Lonoke County Detention Center. He was released the next day after posting bond.

Spencer’s wife, Heather, wrote on Facebook that Fosler had a “no contact” order with her daughter for stalking and raping the 14-year-old over the summer and that she and her husband feared Fosler might kill her. Before the confrontation on Tuesday, she said, she and her husband were unaware that Fosler was again in contact with the minor.

ARKANSAS FATHER ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY KILLING MAN HE FOUND WITH HIS MISSING 14-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

Aaron Spencer is accused of killing a man suspected of preying on his daughter. (Lonoke County Detention Center)

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“We absolutely called 911 during the entire event,” she wrote. “We had no idea this man was in contact with our child again. He was waiting 6-9 felonies for what he did, not 2. He was looking at the rest of his pathetic life in jail, and our daughter was the only witness.”

Spencer’s wife could not be reached for comment. 

Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley told USA Today that Fosler was arrested by another agency in July on charges of stalking a child and sexual assault and that Fosler was released after posting $50,000 bond.

The sheriff said his department is investigating the shooting.

“When we get on scene and there’s a homicide, it means one person took the life of another,” Staley told the outlet. “It’s either justified or not justified. That’s what the fact finding, that’s what the investigation is going to find out.”

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The Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office could not be reached for comment.

Brian Claypool, a California-based attorney who has worked on child sexual abuse cases, told Fox News Digital that if Spencer is charged with first-degree murder, his attorneys have several arguments that could significantly reduce – or even eliminate – potential time behind bars.

ARKANSAS COUPLE ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO SELL BABY FOR $1K, BEER BECAUSE CARING FOR BABY, 3 DOGS ‘WAS NOT WORKING’

“Aaron Spencer’s legal team will clearly argue what’s called a heat of passion. That is a defense in the state of Arkansas. And what that really means is that Spencer committed the alleged murder in the midst of an emotional disturbance,” Claypool said on Monday. 

“Heat of passion reduces a charge of first-degree or second-degree murder down to manslaughter,” Claypool continued. “That would be a big deal for Aaron Spencer, because that can make the difference between getting convicted and spending 30 years to life in jail or serving five to 20 years in jail.”

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The timeline of the shooting, which Lonoke investigators are piecing together, will play a significant role in this defense, Claypool said.

“Hypothetically [if Spencer] went out and grabbed dinner for a couple of hours, went to the movies, then five hours later showed up and shot Fosler [after finding out that he was with his missing daughter], he might have a harder time arguing heat of passion,” he said.

Claypool said Spencer’s attorneys could also argue that their client shot Fosler in self-defense, which could negate murder charges entirely. 

“Most self-defense laws throughout the country require the person who uses deadly force to be in imminent fear of grave bodily harm to either themself or a family member,” Claypool explained.

HONDURAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED IN ALLEGED DUI CRASH THAT KILLED ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

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Sheriff John Staley said Aaron Spencer has not been formally charged and that prosecutors would decide which charges to file. (Google Maps)

“Spencer is going to argue, ‘I [was] terrified [and] I want[ed] to make sure my daughter lives this for another day. I had to shoot this guy, Fosler, before he harmed my daughter,’” Claypool said. “The other way is if the facts unfold to show that, for example, Fosler made a move toward Spencer and that Foster had some kind of weapon or made a threat toward Spencer or threatened to harm his daughter, say, ‘Hey, I’m going to kill your daughter if you try to get me.’ Then, arguably, Spencer at that moment can use lethal force and kill.”

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Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley said the investigation is ongoing. (Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page)

How law enforcement reacted to the Spencer family’s calls for help should be scrutinized before trial, Claypool said. 

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“We need to have a separate investigation done in the shooting,” he said. “If a whole day has gone by and the Spencer family has communicated to law enforcement, ‘Hey, she’s with a guy that’s been charged with raping her,’ he’s going to go to trial for that … we need an explanation across the community and the country as to what then took place.

“Where was law enforcement dispatched to try to find her? How much time went by? What efforts were made to try to find this 14-year-old girl?”



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11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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11 people arrested in connection with various charges in Northwest Arkansas | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


Arrests

Benton County Sheriff’s Office

Scott Minor, 45, of Elm Street in Jefferson City, Mo., was arrested Friday on suspicion of computer child pornography and sexually grooming a child. Minor was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with a $150,000 bond set.

Bentonville

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Damond Drake, 52, of West Highland Drive in Rogers was arrested Saturday on suspicion of delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine. Drake was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Fayetteville

Cornelius Anderson, 33, of Dawn Street in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of third-degree assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery, first-degree criminal mischief and theft of property. Anderson remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Eduard Korshakov, 37, of Prairie Dunes Trail in Fayetteville was arrested Saturday on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member, kidnapping, first-degree false imprisonment, third-degree domestic battery and interference with emergency communications. Korshakov remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Efrain Quiroz, 29, of North Shamblin Avenue in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree battery and second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. Quiroz remained at the Washington County Detention Center Monday in lieu of $25,000 bond.

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Leo Ward, 21, of West Tanner Drive in Fayetteville was arrested Sunday on suspicion of aggravated residential burglary and stalking. Ward was released from the Washington County Detention Center Monday on $25,000 bond.

Rogers

John Jenkins, 21, of Arkansas 351 in Jonesboro was arrested Saturday on suspicion of fraudulent use of credit/debit card. Jenkins was being held Monday in the Benton County Jail with no bond set.

Springdale

Ashlyn Neal, 19, of Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of kidnapping, second-degree battery, endangering the welfare of a minor, resisting arrest and obstruction of government operations. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

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Jose Neal, 37, of South Powell Street in Springdale was arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-degree domestic battery, third-degree domestic battery, interference with emergency communications and resisting arrest. Neal was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

Skyler Shane, 31, of Highway 62 in Westville, Ok., was arrested Sunday on suspicion of Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance with intent to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, carrying a prohibited weapon and disorderly conduct. Shane was released from the Washington County Detention Center Sunday on $3,500 bond.

University of Arkansas Police Department

Celso Adame-Gallegos, 19 of Jade Street in Springdale was arrested Friday on suspicion of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver. Adame-Gallegos was released from the Washington County Detention Center Saturday on $5,000 bond.

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Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol

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Erika Kirk to Join Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Announcement at Arkansas State Capitol


Arkansas leaders are set to take the stage at the State Capitol Wednesday afternoon for an announcement already drawing statewide attention.

At 1 p.m., Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appear alongside Erika Kirk, the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, at the Arkansas State Capitol.

While officials with the governor’s office have not yet released details about the announcement, the joint appearance is expected to draw significant attention from political leaders and supporters across the state.

The moment also brings renewed focus to the legacy of Erika Kirk’s late husband, Charlie Kirk, a nationally recognized conservative activist who built one of the country’s largest student political organizations aimed at mobilizing young voters on college campuses.

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In 2025, Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the gunfire erupted during a gathering connected to student political programming, sending attendees scrambling for safety.

Kirk was rushed from the scene but later died from his injuries, sparking shock and an outpouring of reaction from political leaders, students, and supporters across the country.

In the weeks that followed, memorials and tributes appeared nationwide. In Arkansas, supporters and lawmakers honored Kirk’s life and work with a memorial exhibit displayed inside the Arkansas State Capitol, recognizing the influence he had on conservative youth activism and campus politics.

Following his death, Erika Kirk stepped into a leadership role at Turning Point USA, pledging to continue the organization’s mission and expand its outreach to students across the nation.

On Wednesday, Kirk will again be at the Arkansas State Capitol, this time standing beside Governor Sanders for a joint announcement, as leaders gather and the state waits to learn what the two will unveil.

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Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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Stetson shuts down Arkansas baseball, wins 4-1 in third game of series | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette


FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman. 

Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped. 

The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. 

“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.” 

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Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon. 

Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing. 

“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.” 

MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson

Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1. 

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After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good. 

    Stetson players celebrate with right fielder Jayden Hylton (17) after he hit a home run during a game against Arkansas on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect. 

“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that. 

“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.” 

Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era. 

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Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams. 

Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third. 

“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.” 

Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start. 

The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double. 

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But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh. 

  photo  Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
 
 

Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively. 

“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.” 

Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday. 

Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner. 

“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said. 

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Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks. 

Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

Box Score

Stetson 4, Arkansas 1.pdf

Highlights

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