In a real-life story that sounds more like a courtroom drama than a political campaign, an Arkansas father awaiting trial for killing his teenage daughter’s alleged kidnapper and rapist has just won a Republican primary for county sheriff.

Yes, voters in Lonoke County handed Aaron Spencer the victory Tuesday night – even as his own murder case is headed toward trial.

According to People Magazine, Spencer, 37, secured 53.5% of the vote in the Lonoke County GOP primary, defeating the incumbent sheriff and another candidate and is moving on to the general election in November.

Spencer is charged with second-degree murder for the October 2024 shooting death of 67-year-old Michael Fosler, who had been facing dozens of sexual-offense charges involving Spencer’s teenage daughter and was out on bond at the time.

Court documents say Spencer forced Fosler’s vehicle off the road before the confrontation that ended in Fosler’s death after allegedly being shot many times by Spencer. Spencer called 911 afterward and has pleaded not guilty, arguing he acted to protect his child.

Spencer said earlier in a Facebook video, “I’m the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed. And through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court. I refuse to stand by while others face these same failures.”

Despite the pending trial, many voters obviously decided Spencer’s story wasn’t disqualifying. Instead, it was the campaign pitch for accountability and “restoring trust.”

Running as an Army veteran and farmer, Spencer argued the system failed his family and promised tougher action against child predators and other criminals if elected so his community can feel safe.