Defendant Sentenced for Stabbing Murder of Unhoused Man

DATE: April 2, 2026

CASE: Aaron Spencer (Case #22FE002983)

PROSECUTOR: Principal Criminal Attorney Scott Schweibish, Homicide Unit

On March 6, 2026, the Honorable Shelleyanne Chang sentenced Aaron Spencer to 26 years to life in prison. On October 21, 2025, Spencer was convicted by a jury the first-degree murder of Eric Roberts. The jury also found true the allegation that Spencer personally used a deadly weapon.

Aaron Spencer and the victim were socializing with one another at a gas station in Elk Grove. Both men were known to be unhoused and living in the area. The victim was sitting in front of the gas station when Spencer walked over and sat with him for a while. Spencer then left and returned to the victim a short time later. Surveillance video showed Spencer acting aggressively and raising his arm in a stabbing motion before walking away. Patrons of the gas station heard screaming and walked over to the victim, where they found him deceased with multiple stab wounds. Spencer was detained in the area wearing the same clothes he was wearing when captured on the surveillance video.