Warning: This article discusses child abuse, which may be distressing for some readers.
The spouse of a U.S. military veteran, recently accused of killing a man suspected of sexually assaulting and kidnapping his daughter, has publicly spoken out, asserting that the family “couldn’t ask for a better husband or father.”
In July 2024, Aaron Spencer, 37, and his wife Heather from Arkansas were informed about the alleged sexual abuse of their 13-year-old daughter by an individual she encountered at a family friend’s residence.
The accused perpetrator, identified as 67-year-old Michael Fosler, allegedly contacted the young girl through text messages.
He was subsequently detained by authorities and faced 43 charges, including internet stalking and possession of child pornography. However, he was released on a $50,000 bond, according to CNN.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Heather revealed that a no-contact order was issued against Fosler, which they hoped would keep him away from their daughter.
“We let the law run its course, and … trusted that this man would be served justice under the law,” she wrote.
“While we were pleased that he was rapidly apprehended, we were unaware that he was released on a low bond with no supervision.”
Despite the no-contact order, Aaron and Heather discovered on October 6 that Fosler had allegedly attempted to contact their child again, supposedly sending a Cash App payment for her and her cousin.
On October 8, the family faced the alarming situation of their teenage daughter disappearing from their home, with Heather reporting her disappearance to 911, according to the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office.
“In that moment, we realized she might have been taken, but it’s the middle of the night, and everything is happening so quickly,” Heather expressed on social media.
“I tell 911 that this man may be involved, and as I’m speaking, I’m realizing that if he does have her, I may never see her again.”
An alleged arrest affidavit indicated that Cabot police were instructed to dispatch officers to Fosler’s location.
Taking matters into his own hands, Aaron reportedly encountered Fosler’s truck on the highway, ramming it off the road and allegedly firing at him before contacting 911, as detailed in the affidavit.
Reportedly, the farmer, a former member of the 82nd Airborne known for its rapid deployment capabilities, informed the dispatcher that the “man who kidnapped” his daughter was “dead on the side of the road.”
He claimed he had “no choice” but to allegedly protect his daughter.
Describing Aaron, who was arrested on preliminary charges of first-degree murder, Heather referred to him as an “animal whisperer” with a deep affection for animals.
“He has never met an animal that doesn’t love him, whether they are ours, our friends, or strays,” she shared with CNN.
“Over five years of farming, we have raised everything from sheep to quail. When we had a sick ram, he dedicated six weeks to nursing it back to health, attending to it every two hours, even through the night, to administer medication and help it stand until it regained strength.”
The Spencer family resides on a farm near Cabot, approximately 25 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas.
Heather described her husband as a dedicated family man who had been taking their children fishing since they were “old enough to carry a tackle box.”
She stated: “You really couldn’t ask for a better husband or father. His support and love for his family is strong and unwavering.”
“This case has significantly impacted our daily lives,” Heather told CNN.
“Not long ago, my biggest concern was whether my sourdough was rising. My days were filled with baking. Now they’re occupied with therapy appointments, legal updates, and the ongoing effort to keep my husband at home while helping my family navigate an unimaginable reality.”
Following Aaron’s arrest, Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley expressed he would not “advocate for any specific charge,” leaving the decision to prosecutors.
In November 2023, Aaron’s charge was reduced from first-degree murder to second-degree murder.
Aaron is scheduled to appear in court in December, with his trial set to begin on January 26, 2026.
A petition has been launched to seek absolution for Aaron and raise funds for his family through GiveSendGo.
The campaign, organized by Heather’s sister, Juanita Musto, has collected $63,305 in donations to date.
“I am creating this campaign for my sister and brother-in-law (Heather & Aaron Spencer) and their children as they navigate life after the devastating trauma they’ve endured,” the page reads.
“The funds will be used for personal needs, such as therapy and maintaining their family during Aaron’s challenging legal journey, as well as legal fees.”
You can contribute here.
If you’ve been affected by these issues or need to speak with someone about child welfare, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) operates 24/7 and serves callers from the U.S., Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.