Arkansas – After a sad incident, 36-year-old father A. Spencer faces first-degree murder charges in Arkansas and Indiana. Spencer fatally shot M. Fosler, a 67-year-old former Indiana police chief with a history of sexual offenses against kids, including allegations of attacks on Spencer’s 14-year-old daughter, last week.
Tragically, a father’s desperate attempt to safeguard his abducted daughter led to a preliminary first-degree murder allegation. Spencer spotted his 14-year-old daughter in Fosler’s car. Spencer was arrested after shooting and killing Fosler in a fight. The event happened early Tuesday morning.
Spencer’s wife and the teenage girl’s mother then gave heartbreaking updates, saying they believed Fosler was preparing to harm or kill their daughter. This guy who preyed on their kid was released on bond, but we intercepted him that night and got him with her.” Spencer was arrested at the correctional center as the investigation continues.
He was released on a $150,000 bond by Wednesday afternoon thanks to community backing, jail records show. The sheriff’s office stressed that the murder charge is preliminary and the prosecution will decide its status.
The tragic story began when the Spencers found their daughter missing and phoned 911. Spencer frantically searched for her but found her in a car with Fosler. After a fight, Spencer shot Fosler, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office. Spencer’s wife called it her worst fear.
“We absolutely called 911 during the entire event,” she posted on Facebook. “We had no idea he was with our child again. He was expecting 6-9 felonies, not 2. He was looking at his miserable existence in jail, and only our daughter saw it.” People on social media are outraged and declaring Spencer a hero after his arrest.
Spencer’s wife exposed Fosler’s legal history. July saw the 67-year-old arrested for sexual assault and internet stalking of the couple’s daughter. However, he was released on $50,000 bond and awaiting trial. The family was unaware that Fosler had resumed communication with their daughter despite a no-contact order.
Spencer’s wife also revealed Fosler’s horrific past. “We have gotten a clear picture of a predator who continuously worked with children and preyed on young girls,” she wrote. “This man was Indiana Chief of Police and resource officer, explaining why the courts have protected him and gone after my husband.”
Sheriff J. Staley says detectives are still gathering information to determine if the gunshot was justified. “When we arrive and there’s a homicide, one person killed another,” Staley said. It’s reasonable or not. The fact-finding and investigation will reveal that.” “I’m a daddy,” Staley said, emphasizing his opposition to predators.
I have 3 daughters. I know she’s hurt, but I’d put our children, their children, my children before anyone else.” Staley stated that the prosecuting attorney, not the sheriff’s office, decides charges. The sheriff’s office has been criticized for its handling. Many have criticized law enforcement for choosing the privacy of a known predator over protecting the girl and her family after Spencer’s arrest.
After Spencer’s arrest, the family requested legal expense assistance. Spencer’s wife started a GoFundMe page, but the company shut it down due to their policy against supporting criminal defendants. Spencer’s wife used Venmo and Cash App to raise funds for their legal battle.
“Donations are wonderful and needed,” she said, “but despite the legal fight, this has been the most traumatic event of our family’s life, all of us, so please just keep us in your prayers and add us to your prayer chains.”
Spencer’s wife also thanked the community and other Fosler victims who have spoken forward. The amount of love we’re receiving on social media is overwhelming, she said.
Spencer’s defense and rebuilding remain the family’s priorities during the investigation. Sheriff Staley told the public the probe would be quick. “We’ll wrap this up as quickly as we can and fax the file to the prosecutor so he can make an informed decision,” he said.
Spencer’s wife’s final message to supporters described the family’s painful fallout. “This has been the most traumatic event of our lives,” she wrote. “We want to keep our family safe, and we appreciate everyone’s support.”
The Spencer family hopes justice will prevail in their legal and emotional battle. They believe Spencer’s actions saved their daughter and continue to fight for his exoneration with community support.