An outraged mother has said she stands by her husband after he was arrested for shooting and killing a 67-year-old man who abducted his 14-year-old daughter.
Heather Spencer, 37, said their daughter had been targeted, groomed and raped by Michael Fosler, 67, who was the boyfriend of a family friend, earlier this year.
Fosler was charged and booked with rape and internet stalking of a child on July 11.
But the 67-year-old was soon released on $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 realized to their horror that she was missing.
Aaron got into his truck to find the 14-year-old while a 911 was reportedly made to the police, but things took a turn when the father found the 67-year-old man with their kid in his vehicle.
Mom Heather Spencer, 37, (pictured) said their daughter had been targeted, groomed and raped by Michael Fosler, 67, who was the boyfriend of a family friend, earlier this year
Fosler (pictured) was charged and booked with rape and internet stalking of a child on July 11. But Heather said the 67-year-old was released quickly on a $50,000 bond – with a court hearing in December
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley clarified in a video that official charges have not been filed and that he’s now advocating for a specific charge after the police department got intense backlash for 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 allegedly attacked – leading him to shoot the 67-year-old.
Heather has vehemently supported her husband – calling him a hero and asking for donations to help the family following his arrest.
The mom wrote: ‘My husband is a combat veteran, who has always protected his country and family. I have no doubt our child would have not come home if my husband hadn’t found her.’
She added: ‘We have also received numerous stories of other victims that received no justice after this man attacked them. The system failed over and over to put 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 has happened and how it was able to happen. Please continue to pray for us and share our story.
‘My husband is a hero and we are so thankful to have him home with us for now. We want to do everything possible to ensure he can continue to be here to protect us.’
Aaron (pictured in his mugshot) was preliminary charged with Murder in the First Degree – a felony that can carry a maximum term of life in prison
The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Officer released a statement on Wednesday that corroborated the events.
‘A confrontation between the two adult males ensued, which resulted in a shooting. Deputies immediately initiated an investigation. Michael Fosler was pronounced dead at the scene, and Aaron Spencer was taken into custody.’
Aaron was preliminary charged with Murder in the First Degree – a felony that can carry a maximum term of life in prison.
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley clarified in a video that official charges have not been filed and that he’s not advocating for a specific charge after the police department got intense backlash for Aaron’s arrest – with some accusing the police of being corrupt.
Staley told USA Today that Fosler had been arrested by a different 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 nobody 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 made to the police, but when he was able to get her back the father shot Fosler in a scuffle
The sheriff said law enforcement doesn’t file charges and they submit evidence to a prosecuting attorney who will decide whether or not to file the charges.
But users on Facebook found Aaron’s arrest unjust.
One user wrote: ‘Praying for your family that justice will be served. We must protect our children from sex abusers as they serve no purpose in our society. Stay strong in faith and keep fighting this horrific evil attack.
Another wrote: ‘I am so sorry that this has happened to you and your family. I pray that your daughter will heal from this and that her Daddy will always be there with her and not in jail. He is a true hero and should be exonerated from this.’
Heather said they were able to post the $150,000 bond on 1.12pm on Wednesday, USA Today reported.
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 nobody I would put ahead of our children, their children, my children’
The mother posted on Friday that the family was working with Gun Owners of America to set up a donation link for legal fees after their GoFundMe was taken down
The mother posted on Friday that the family was working with Gun Owners of America to set up a donation link for legal fees after their GoFundMe was taken down.
She said they’re overwhelmed with the amount of loving they’re receiving on social media and that other people have come forward alleging to be victims of Fosler.
