Arkansas Father Charged with Murder After Fatal Shooting of Man Found with Underage Daughter
Heather Spencer/GiveSendGo
An Arkansas father has been charged with first-degree murder after discovering his missing 14-year-old daughter in a car with a man and fatally shooting him. The incident occurred in Lonoke County, approximately 75 miles northeast of Hot Springs.
According to a statement from the Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted around 1:12 a.m. on Tuesday about a missing juvenile. While authorities were en route, they received an update that the girl’s father had found her in a vehicle with a man named Michael Fosler, who was in his 60s.
Following a confrontation between the two, Fosler was shot and later pronounced dead at the scene. The father, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody and transported to the Lonoke County Detention Center. He was released on Wednesday afternoon, according to online jail records.
The 36-year-old father is currently facing a preliminary charge of first-degree murder, a Class Y felony, which, according to Arkansas law, can carry a sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. However, the charges have not yet been officially filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley provided an update via a Facebook video, emphasizing that further details are limited due to the ongoing investigation. He explained that the prosecutor will determine what formal charges, if any, will be filed against the father.
“I have not, nor will I, advocate for any specific charge,” Sheriff Staley said, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation. “This is a tragic situation and my thoughts and prayers are with all those involved.”
The case has sparked discussions in the community as the investigation proceeds, with many awaiting further information on what led to the deadly confrontation. The GoFundMe platform reportedly removed the fundraiser for violating terms of use by raising money for the legal defense of a violent crime. The family then created a GiveSendGo campaign.
