Dad arrested after allegedly killing man he found in a car with his missing teen daughter

The sheriff’s office said a “confrontation” between the men ensued, which ended with Michael Fosler being shot and killed.(Daniel Tadevosyan/Getty Images via Canva)
Published: Oct. 14, 2024 at 5:17 PM EDT|Updated: Oct. 14, 2024 at 8:26 PM EDT

LONOKE COUNTY, Ark. (Gray News) – A father in Arkansas allegedly shot and killed a 67-year-old man who he found in a car with his 14-year-old daughter.

According to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, officers were called in reference to a missing child on Tuesday.

While en route to the home, deputies were told that the child’s father, Aaron Spencer, had located his daughter in a car with 67-year-old Michael Fosler.

The sheriff’s office said a “confrontation” between the men ensued, which ended with Fosler being shot and killed.

Deputies said Fosler died at the scene and Spencer was taken into custody.

According to USA Today, the family had a no-contact order in place for Fosler, accusing him of stalking and raping their daughter over the summer. Fosler had been arrested in July.

A public Facebook post from a woman named Heather Spencer, who identified herself as Aaron Spencer’s wife, said, “We had no idea this man was in contact with our child again.”

“At the end of the day, our daughter is a victim and we have a long road of recovery for everyone,” the Facebook post read.

It’s unclear if Fosler had any relation to the family or how he knew the teen.

Aaron Spencer is facing a preliminary first-degree murder charge. He was released on bond the day after the shooting.

Facebook commenters are overwhelmingly praising Aaron Spencer for his actions, saying he did what any father would do.

“No charges should be filed! I’m so sorry you are going through it but given the circumstances any father would do the same,” one wrote.

“He saved his daughter!!! What a hero. He should not be in jail!” another wrote.

In a statement, Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley described the case as a “tragic situation” and that official charges had not been filed as of Thursday.