A judge has dismissed the murder charge against Aaron Spencer, an Arkansas sheriff candidate who fatally shot a man accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter.

Spencer shot and killed Michael Fosler, 67, who was allegedly the sexual abuser of Spencer's 13-year-old daughter. Spencer never denied the fatal shooting.

The dismissal was announced Thursday, prompting Spencer to release a statement expressing gratitude. "I'm grateful this chapter is closed," Spencer said, adding that he is now focused on "family and getting back to a normal life."

The case had drawn significant attention given Spencer's candidacy for sheriff in Arkansas. The murder charge had been filed against Spencer following the shooting incident involving Fosler.

Details about the circumstances of the shooting or the reasoning behind the judge's decision to dismiss the charges were not immediately available. Spencer's statement indicated relief at the conclusion of the legal proceedings against him.