State Attorney Aramis Ayala will not seek the death penalty — including for Markeith Loyd — during her tenure as the top prosecutor in the Orlando area, a decision that has outraged law enforcement officers and Gov. Rick Scott.

The newly elected state attorney said Thursday during a news conference at the Orange County Courthouse that "while I currently have the discretion to pursue death sentences, I have determined that doing so is not in the best interests of this community or the best interests in justice," Ayala said.

The decision not to pursue the death penalty has major consequences in Orlando's most high profile homicide case this year, the slaying of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton. Loyd is in the Orange County Jail, facing two counts of first degree murder in the shootings of Clayton in January and Loyd's pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December.

"To put it bluntly, law enforcement officers throughout Florida are outraged over the decision that was made in this case," Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said during a news conference later Thursday. He was joined by Orlando Police Deputy Chief Robert Anzueto and Clayton's husband, Seth.

"We simply want justice in this case, and we are willing to work within the system that is available today, a system we all sweared an oath to serve within," said Demings, who is also the president of the Florida Sheriff's Association.

Demings said Dixon's mother, Stephanie Dixon-Daniels, was not happy with the decision, but she understand the rationale of the state attorney.

She wanted Loyd to die quickly. But she also said the decision was a slap in the face of law enforcement.

Gov. Rick Scott called for Ayala to recuse herself from the Loyd case. When she did not, he issued an executive order removing her and assigning a new prosecutor.

During her news conference Thursday, Ayala spelled out her reasons for "how my office will be handling death penalty cases going forward."

She said there's no evidence that the death penalty protects the public or law enforcement officers and does not deter murder. Ayala said she also has concluded that the death penalty does not give closure to victims' families, and implementing the death penalty costs more for taxpayers than a convict's life sentence.

Ayala, a Democrat, said Florida's death penalty has created legal chaos and that the community will be kept safe by keeping murderers behind bars.

Her decision came just days after Scott signed a new death penalty bill into law requiring a unanimous jury recommendation.

She said if the death penalty system were "better" in the state of Florida, she would reconsider her decision.

Late Wednesday, Orlando Police Chief John Mina was notified by Ayala by phone that she would not pursue a death sentence for Loyd.

"I was extremely upset. I was furious. If any case is deserving of a death penalty this is the case, this is the case," he said.

In a phone interview with News 13 on Thursday, he said he is extremely disappointed with this decision and will reach out to the State Attorney's Office when he gets back from a business trip to Dubai.

Brevard-Seminole State Attorney Phil Archer also disagreed with Ayala.

"It is up to each State Attorney to decide how they will handle each and every criminal case that comes before them.  As State Attorney, we are granted immense power and broad discretion to make those decisions even if those decisions are unpopular or subject us to criticism.

"However, I do not agree with the conclusions about the death penalty that State Attorney Aramis Ayala has made in her statement today and believe the laws of Florida and court decisions have outlined the appropriate use of the death penalty. I want to make it clear to my community that I will continue to seek the death penalty in those cases that I believe are appropriate and where justice demands the ultimate sentence."

When asked about why charges were dropped against Zarghee Mayan, Loyd's former employer, and Jameis Slaughter, Loyd's ex-girlfriend, Ayala responded that resources could be better used elsewhere.

When asked how prosecutors with the State Attorney's Office will be able to make plea deals now that Ayala admitted she does not want to pursue the death penalty in her office, she replied, "One thing I think is inhumane is to negotiate life."

Ayala said she was unable to speak to every family member who was impacted by the Loyd case.

Loyd is being held without bond at the Orange County Jail.


Markeith Loyd (Orange County Corrections)