An outraged mother has said she supports her husband after he was arrested for shooting and killing a 67-year-old man who kidnapped his 14-year-old daughter.
Heather Spencer, 37, said their daughter was targeted earlier this year, groomed and raped by Michael Fosler, 67, the boyfriend of a family friend.
Fosler was charged and booked on July 11 with rape and internet stalking of a child. But the 67-year-old was soon released on a $50,000 bond, with a court hearing in December.
Last Tuesday, Heather and her husband Aaron, 36, woke up to their dog barking. When they went to check on their daughter, they were shocked to realize she was missing.
Aaron got into his truck to find the 14-year-old while a 911 call was reportedly made to police, but things took a turn when the father found the 67-year-old man with their child in his car.
Mother Heather Spencer, 37, (pictured) said their daughter was targeted, groomed and raped by Michael Fosler, 67, the boyfriend of a family friend, earlier this year.
Fosler (pictured) was indicted on July 11 and charged with rape and internet stalking of a child. But Heather said the 67-year-old was quickly released on a $50,000 bond – with a court hearing in December.
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley clarified in a video that no formal charges have been filed and that he is now pleading guilty to a specific charge after police received strong backlash over Aaron’s arrest
A chase ensued, with Fosler taking off with their daughter in tow. Aaron was able to grab her after the car crashed but was reportedly attacked, causing him to shoot the 67-year-old.
Heather has strongly supported her husband, calling him a hero and asking for donations to help the family after his arrest.
The mother wrote: ‘My husband is a combat veteran who has always protected his country and family. I have no doubt that our child would not have come home if my husband had not found her.”
She added: “We have also received numerous stories from other victims who did not receive justice after this man attacked them. The system failed time and time again to scare away a predator. Everywhere this man went, he preyed on weak young girls.
“We have a lot of big emotions right now as we piece together what happened and how it happened. Please continue to pray for us and share our story.
“My husband is a hero and we are so grateful to have him home with us for now. We want to do everything we can to make sure he can stay here to protect us.”
Aaron (pictured in his mugshot) was preliminarily charged with first-degree murder – a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison
Lonoke County Sheriff’s Officer issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the events.
‘A confrontation ensued between the two adult men, which resulted in a shooting. Officers immediately launched an investigation. Michael Fosler was pronounced dead at the scene and Aaron Spencer was taken into custody.”
Aaron was preliminarily charged with first-degree murder – a crime that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley clarified in a video that no official charges have been filed and he is not pleading to any specific charge after police received strong reactions to Aaron’s arrest – with some accusing the police of being corrupt.
Staley said USA today that Fosler had been arrested by another law enforcement agency in July for internet stalking of a child and sexual assault.
Staley said: “I absolutely do not support predators,” he said. ‘I’m a daddy. I have three daughters. I know she’s hurt right now, but there’s absolutely no one I would put ahead of our children, their children, my children.”
Fosler kidnapped their daughter on October 8. Aaron (pictured) got into his truck to find the 14-year-old while a 911 was reportedly dispatched to police, but when he was able to get her back, the father shot Fosler in a scuffle.
The sheriff said police will not file charges and will present evidence to a prosecutor, who will decide whether or not to file charges.
But users on Facebook said Aaron’s arrest was unfair.
One user wrote: “Praying for your family that justice will be served. We must protect our children from sexual abusers as they serve no purpose in our society. Stay strong in the faith and keep fighting against this heinous evil attack.
Another wrote: ‘I’m so sorry this happened to you and your family. I pray that your daughter will heal from this and that her father will always be with her and not in prison. He is a true hero and should be acquitted of this.”
Heather said they were able to post the $150,000 bond Wednesday at 1:12 p.m., USA Today reported.
Staley said: “I absolutely do not support predators,” he said. I’m a daddy. ‘I have three daughters. I know she is hurt now, but there is absolutely no one I would put before our children, their children, my children.
The mother posted Friday that the family worked with Gun Owners of America to set up a donation link for legal fees after their GoFundMe was deleted
The mother posted On Friday, the family said the family worked with Gun Owners of America to set up a donation link for legal fees after their GoFundMe was deleted.
She said they are overwhelmed by the amount of love they are receiving on social media and that other people have come forward claiming they were victims of Fosler.