An outraged mother has said she stands by her husband after he was arrested for shooting and killing a 67-year-old man who kidnapped her 14-year-old daughter.
Heather Spencer, 37 years old, saying her daughter had been attacked, groomed and raped by Michael Fosler, 67, the boyfriend of a family friend, earlier this year.
Fosler was charged and booked with rape and online harassment of a child on July 11. But the 67-year-old was soon released on $50,000 bail and will have a court hearing in December.
Last Tuesday, Heather and her Her husband Aaron, 36, woke up to their dog barking. When they went to see their daughter, they realized to their horror that she had disappeared.
Aaron got into his truck to find the 14-year-old while police were reportedly called 911, but things changed when the father found the 67-year-old man with his son in his vehicle.
Mum Heather Spencer, 37, (pictured) said her daughter had been attacked, 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 online harassment of a child on July 11. But Heather said the 67-year-old was quickly released on $50,000 bail, and will have a court hearing in December.
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley clarified in a video that no official charges have been filed and that he is now advocating for a specific charge after the police department received intense backlash over Aaron’s arrest.
A chase ensued, and Fosler took off with his 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 man.
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 war veteran who has always protected his country and his family. I have no doubt that our daughter would not have returned home if my husband had not found her.
He 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 could have 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 ensure that he can still be here to protect us.”
Aaron (pictured in his mugshot) was preliminarily charged with first-degree murder, a felony that can carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Lonoke County Sheriff’s Deputy released a statement on Wednesday that corroborated the facts.
‘A confrontation ensued between the two adult males, 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 felony that can carry 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 defending a specific charge after the police department received intense backlash over Aaron’s arrest, with some accusing police of being corrupt.
Staley told him USA today that Fosler had been arrested by another law enforcement agency in July for online stalking of a child and sexual assault.
Staley said, “I don’t support predators at all,” he said. ‘I’m dad. I have three daughters. I know she’s hurt right now, but I wouldn’t put anyone ahead of our children, her children, my children.’
Fosler kidnapped his daughter on October 8th. Aaron (pictured) got into his truck to find the 14-year-old girl while police were reportedly called 911, but when he was able to get her back, the father shot Fosler in a fight.
The sheriff said authorities are not pressing charges and are presenting evidence to a prosecutor who will decide whether or not to file charges.
But Facebook users considered Aaron’s arrest unfair.
One user wrote: ‘Praying for his family that justice is served. We must protect our children from sexual abusers as they are of no use in our society. Stay strong in faith and continue fighting this horrible evil attack.
Another wrote: ‘I’m so sorry this happened to you and your family. I pray that his daughter recovers from this and that her dad is always there with her and not in jail. “He is a true hero and should be exonerated of that.”
Heather said they were able to post the $150,000 bail at 1:12 p.m. Wednesday, USA Today reported.
Staley said, “I don’t support predators at all,” he said. I’m dad. ‘I have three daughters. I know you’re hurt right now, but there is absolutely no one I would put ahead of our children, your children, my children.
The mother posted Friday that the family was working with Gun Owners of America to set up a donation link to cover legal fees after their GoFundMe was taken down.
the mother aware Friday that the family was working with Gun Owners of America to set up a donation link to cover legal fees after their GoFundMe was taken down.
He said they are overwhelmed by the amount of love they are receiving on social media and that other people have come forward to report being victims of Fosler.