Story perspectives

Judge Dismisses Sheriff Nominee's Murder Charge, Citing Botched Dash-Cam

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. dismissed the murder charge against Aaron Spencer (GOP sheriff nominee), the Lonoke County sheriff candidate.
The ruling followed mishandling of dash-camera evidence after a detective stored the device in his office and the memory card disappeared before testing.
Prosecutors claimed Spencer premeditated the shooting of Michael Fosler, 67, alleged abuser of his 13-year-old daughter, prompting Spencer’s lawyer to say family would no longer relive trauma.

1 of 1

Story summary

Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. dismissed the murder charge against Aaron Spencer (GOP sheriff nominee), the Lonoke County sheriff candidate.
The ruling followed mishandling of dash-camera evidence after a detective stored the device in his office and the memory card disappeared before testing.
Prosecutors claimed Spencer premeditated the shooting of Michael Fosler, 67, alleged abuser of his 13-year-old daughter, prompting Spencer’s lawyer to say family would no longer relive trauma.