Orlando police chief ‘furious’ with decision not to seek death penalty for Markeith Loyd
The Orlando Sentinel reports- Orlando Police Chief John Mina said he’s “furious” with the decision not to seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd, the man accused of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police officer who tried to arrest him.
Reached by phone Thursday morning, Mina said he plans to meet with Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala when he returns from Dubai, where he’s attending a law enforcement conference.
“If there was any a case for the death penalty, this is the case,” Mina said. “I’ve seen the video, so I know the state attorney has seen the video of (Loyd) standing over defenseless and helpless Lt. Debra Clayton and executing her.”
Ayala is scheduled speak about the decision at a news conference later this morning.
The president of Orlando’s police union decried the decision Wednesday night.
“If this is information is correct, this would be an epic injustice to the family of Lt. Debra Clayton as well as every single Law Enforcement Officer in the 9th Judicial Circuit,” Shawn Dunlap, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 25. “The death penalty is the law of the land in the State of Florida and I believe that if there ever was a case for its use this would be the one.”
Loyd is accused of shooting Sade Dixon, his pregnant ex-girlfriend, outside her home on Dec. 13. He allegedly injured her brother and shot at other family members before fleeing.
On Jan. 9, a passer-by at the Walmart on John Young Parkway spotted him and alerted Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, who was paroling the area. Clayton approached and tried to arrest him. Loyd allegedly started shooting, hitting Clayton’s thigh.
She shot back and then retreated. Loyd followed her, police said, shooting and killing her while she was on the ground. He then escaped.
Loyd was arrested about a week later after a region-wide manhunt. He has been in the Orange County Jail since mid-January, and has been acting as his own attorney in court appearances.
Mina said he is “extremely upset and disappointed” and “can imagine” his officers are as well. He said he’s spoken with his senior officers and will be reaching out to the department’s legal team to see if there is any way to change the decision.