A father from Arkansas who is awaiting trial over the fatal shooting of a man accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter has now won a local Republican primary for sheriff. The unusual campaign has drawn national attention, raising questions about justice, accountability and public trust in law enforcement.

Aaron Spencer, who has pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge, secured the Republican primary nomination for county sheriff of Lonoke County while his criminal case remains pending. His victory means voters will now decide in November whether a candidate facing serious charges should lead the county's top law-enforcement office.

Spencer secured 53.5% of the vote in the Tuesday, March 3, Republican primary for Lonoke County sheriff, according to reporting fromPEOPLE. He defeated incumbent Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley, according to unofficial results posted by the Arkansas secretary of state. Stanley later conceded the loss.

In a statement, Spencer said that his advocacy for accountability resonated with voters, 'Tonight, the people of Lonoke County stood up and chose transparency and accountability.'

He continued: 'This wasn't a campaign about me. It was about every family who called for help and got nothing. That betrayal ends tonight'.

Spencer also spoke to local news outletKATVon Wednesday 4, March. 'I'm incredibly grateful to the people of Lonoke County for placing their trust in me. Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign, worked hard, and showed up to vote,' he said.

He added, 'This is an important step forward, but we still have one more election ahead. I look forward to continuing this conversation with the people of Lonoke County as we work toward building a safer, strong Lonoke County'.

In November, Spencer will face Democratic primary winner Brian Mitchell Sr. in the general election.

In a Facebook post last month, Spencer pledged that, if elected, he would establish a dedicated team to combat sex crimes against children.

Beyond his victory in the Republican primary election for county sheriff of Lonoke County, Spencer is a 37-year-old husband, father, contractor, farmer, and a combat veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division. He announced his candidacy in October through a Facebook video.

Source: International Business Times UK