An Arkansas father has been charged with first-degree murder after discovering his missing 14-year-old daughter in a car with a man and fatally shooting her. The incident occurred in Lonoke County, approximately 75 miles northeast of Hot Springs.
According to a statement from Lonoke County Sheriff’s OfficeOfficers were alerted around 1:12 a.m. Tuesday about a missing minor. While authorities were en route, they received an update that the girl’s father had found her in a vehicle with a man named Michael Fosler, in his 60s.
Following a confrontation between the two, Fosler was shot and later pronounced dead at the scene. The father, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody and transported to the Lonoke County Detention Center. He was released Wednesday afternoon, according to jail records online.
The 36-year-old father currently faces a preliminary charge of first-degree murder, a class Y felony that, under Arkansas law, can carry a sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. However, the charges have not yet been officially presentedand the investigation is ongoing.
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley provided an update via a facebook videoemphasizing that further details are limited due to the ongoing investigation. He explained that the prosecutor will determine what formal charges, if any, will be filed against the father.
“I have not defended nor will I defend any specific charge” Sheriff Staley saidrecognizing the sensitivity of the situation. “This is a tragic situation and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”
The case has sparked discussions in the community as the investigation continues, with many awaiting more information about what led to the deadly confrontation. The GoFundMe platform reportedly removed the fundraiser for violating terms of use by raising money for the legal defense of a violent crime. The family then created a GiveSendGo Campaign.