MENU
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.
With the commercial availability of Avon Protection’s EXOSKIN-S2, users now have increased options for their protective suit requirements across the spectrum of CBRN threat environments.
Read More →
Versaterm has acquired Aloft, an FAA-approved Unmanned Service Supplier (USS) that specializes in real-time airspace intelligence and flight authorizations.
Read More →
The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.
Read More →
Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.
Read More →
The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.
Read More →
With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.
Read More →
5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.
Read More →
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
Read More →