FURLOW, AR – An Arkansas man has been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder after allegedly fatally shooting a man he claims was stalking and had raped his teenage daughter. This contentious arrest has spurred indignation within his family, who argue he’s being unfairly prosecuted.

Authorities allege that Aaron Spencer, 36, shot 67-year-old Michael Fosler after a confrontation on Oct. 8 near Highway 236 East in Lonoke County. Sheriff’s deputies initially responded to the scene following a report of a missing child. The situation escalated when Spencer reportedly found his daughter in Fosler’s vehicle, leading to the deadly encounter.

Fosler had been facing felony charges related to previous accusations of grooming and raping Spencer’s then 13-year-old daughter. Despite these charges and a no-contact order, he was out on a $50,000 bond and reportedly continued to contact the girl.

Heather Spencer, Aaron’s wife, vehemently criticized the arrest on social media, describing her husband as a hero and labeling his charged arrest as “outrageous.” She detailed how they discovered their daughter missing after hearing the family dog’s barking, which prompted a frantic search that ended with Aaron encountering Fosler.

According to Heather, Aaron located Fosler driving with their daughter, leading to a vehicular collision and confrontation. She recounts how Aaron defended himself and their child from what she described as an attack by Fosler, resulting in Fosler’s death.

“This is every parent’s nightmare. Aaron did what he needed to do to ensure our daughter came home,” Heather asserted in a post that has since rallied community support for the family.

Sheriff John Staley addressed the case as a “tragic situation.” While expressing sympathy for all parties involved, he explained that the decision to formally charge Spencer would rest with the Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Addressing concerns over Spencer’s arrest equating to siding with an alleged predator, Staley emphasized that the ongoing investigation seeks clarity in a complex and emotional case. “It’s not about choosing sides; it’s about getting to the truth of what happened,” he said, underscoring the legal procedures they must follow.

Spencer, who is not listed in custody, has been released on a $150,000 bond. His case remains under review, with the charges pending further determination by the prosecutors.