A jury trial has been scheduled for a Lonoke County man who won the Republican nomination for sheriff while facing a second-degree murder charge.
Aaron Spencer is set to go to trial beginning June 22, with proceedings expected to run through July 3. Officials said the trial could be moved up by a week depending on the defense’s schedule.
Retired Circuit Judge Ralph Wilson has been assigned to preside over the case after Judge Barbara Elmore was removed. The Arkansas Supreme Court previously stayed the trial amid disputes over whether Elmore should recuse herself.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for April 29 at 10 a.m.
Following a hearing this week, Wilson, attorneys and prosecutors toured the Cabot Justice Center as a possible trial site due to concerns about space and security at the Lonoke County Courthouse.
Roy Ockert, who has been appointed as the trial’s public information officer, said the case has generated significant public and media interest.
Spencer is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the killing of a man accused of sexually assaulting his underage daughter.
Despite the pending charge, Spencer won the Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff in March, receiving more than 50% of the vote in a three-candidate race.
If convicted, Spencer would be ineligible to appear on the ballot in the November general election.
Spencer’s attorney said the defense is prepared to move forward with the case.
Authorities said the charge is an allegation, and Spencer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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