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SEARCHOrlando 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.
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, reports the Orlando Sentinel.
Reached by phone Thursday morning, Mina said he plans to meet with Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala about her decision when he returns from Dubai, where he's attending a law enforcement conference.
"If there was any 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."
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 spotted him at a Walmart and alerted Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, who was patrolling 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.
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.
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