Originally posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017, 12:01 a.m.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina says prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd.
- OPD Chief John Mina says state attorney told him she will not seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd
- Loyd facing murder charges for deaths of ex-girlfriend, Orlando police officer
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Mina issued a statement Wednesday night, saying he spoke with State Attorney Aramis Ayala and she confirmed that to him.
"The heinous crimes that he committed in our community are the very reason we have the death penalty as an option under the law," Mina said.
Here is a statement from @ChiefJohnMina about the State Attorney's decision regarding Markeith Loyd: pic.twitter.com/qlvFR84Kua
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 16, 2017
Loyd is accused of the murder of ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon, their unborn child, in December, and Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton in January.
Loyd is accused of shooting Clayton, execution-style, after she confronted him at an Orlando Wal-Mart.
The shooting launched a nine-day manhunt throughout the city for Loyd. He was taken custody after being found in an abandoned house.
Loyd has been found competent to stand trial. He has been confrontational with judges in his hearings, and at one point tried to assert himself as a sovereign citizen.
No word from Ayala as to why she will not seek the death penalty against Loyd.