In Lonoke County, Arkansas, a father is facing a murder charge after a confrontation turned deadly while searching for his missing child. The incident involved an alleged child stalker, and authorities are still investigating.

LONOKE COUNTY, AR (2-minute read) — A man in Lonoke County, Arkansas, is facing a first-degree murder charge after a deadly confrontation during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The incident began when deputies from the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence shortly after 1 a.m. to investigate a report of a missing juvenile.

Authorities reported that Aaron Spencer, the father of the missing juvenile, found his child in a car with Michael Fosler. According to the police, an altercation ensued between the two men, ultimately resulting in Spencer fatally shooting Fosler. Fosler was pronounced dead at the scene. Spencer was immediately arrested and taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center, though formal charges have yet to be filed as of Monday.

The situation became more complex when a woman, who identified herself as Spencer’s wife, publicly shared her account of the events. She revealed that her family had previously obtained a no-contact order against Fosler, alleging that he had been stalking their child. She claimed that after their child was discovered missing, her husband began searching the area and eventually spotted Fosler with their child in his vehicle. After a brief chase that ended in a car accident, Spencer was reportedly attacked while retrieving their child and shot Fosler in self-defense.

Further complicating matters, Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley revealed that Fosler had been arrested earlier in the year on charges of internet stalking of a child and sexual assault, but he was out on bond at the time of the incident. The Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation.

Safety Tip: Situational awareness is critical in ensuring your safety and that of your family. Understanding your legal rights, including self-defense laws and restraining orders, can help you navigate difficult situations involving potential threats.