Lonoke County Sheriff Nominee Faces Murder Trial

Aaron Spencer to stand trial for second-degree murder charge while running for sheriff

Mar. 19, 2026 at 8:20pm

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A jury trial has been scheduled for Aaron Spencer, the Republican nominee for Lonoke County sheriff, who is facing a second-degree murder charge. The trial is set to begin on June 22 and run through July 3, with a pretrial hearing scheduled for April 29. Spencer won the Republican primary for sheriff despite the pending charge, but if convicted, he would be ineligible to appear on the November general election ballot.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and ethical issues that can arise when a political candidate faces serious criminal charges. It raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the public's trust in law enforcement leadership.

The details

Aaron Spencer is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the killing of a man accused of sexually assaulting his underage daughter. Retired Circuit Judge Ralph Wilson has been assigned to preside over the case after Judge Barbara Elmore was removed. The trial may be moved up by a week depending on the defense's schedule, and officials are considering holding the trial at the Cabot Justice Center due to concerns about space and security at the Lonoke County Courthouse.

  • The jury trial is scheduled to begin on June 22, 2026 and run through July 3, 2026.
  • A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 29, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The players

Aaron Spencer

The Republican nominee for Lonoke County sheriff who is facing a second-degree murder charge.

Ralph Wilson

The retired circuit judge who has been assigned to preside over the case.

Barbara Elmore

The judge who was previously assigned to the case but was removed by the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Roy Ockert

The public information officer appointed for the trial.

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What they’re saying

“The case has generated significant public and media interest.”

— Roy Ockert, Public Information Officer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 29 whether to move the trial up by a week based on the defense's schedule.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues that can arise when a political candidate faces serious criminal charges, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the public's trust in law enforcement leadership. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the Lonoke County sheriff's race.