Officer shot near Orlando Walmart; massive manhunt underway
By WESH.com | January 8, 2017, 9:45AM ET



ORLANDO, Fla. — A gunman is at large after an Orlando police officer was shot [3 times] near a Walmart Monday morning.

The shooting was reported near the store on Princeton Street around 7:15 a.m., prompting a massive police response to the area of Princeton Street and John Young Parkway.

Police confirmed via Twitter that an officer was shot. No further details were released.

The injured officer was rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center. The officer’s condition was not immediately available.

Orange County deputies said Markeith Loyd, who is wanted in the December slaying of a pregnant woman, was spotted leaving the scene of Monday’s shooting.

Moments after the Walmart shooting, a deputy spotted Loyd at North Lane and Pine Hills Drive where Loyd pulled into an apartment complex and fired at the deputy, the sheriff’s office said. The deputy was unharmed.

Thirteen Orange County schools have been placed in a precautionary lock down due to the shooting.

More at link: http://www.wesh.com/article/orlando-pol ... ng/8577369

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Update: 10:40AM

The officer has died. Sgt. Debra Clayton, 43, with the OPD since 1999, married a year ago.

Many roads closed during search, all 13 schools on lockdown, Deputy on motorcycle was hit by car during manhunt and has also died.

LIVE STREAM COVERAGE: http://www.wftv.com/watch-live

Slain officer identified as 17-year-veteran of OPD
By WESH.com | Updated: 11:31 PM EST Jan 9, 2017


Master Sgt. Debra Clayton

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police say the officer gunned down early Monday was a mother and a wife who devoted her life to helping her hometown community.

Chief John Mina identified the slain officer as Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, a 17-year-veteran of the department.

Clayton was shot and killed in the line of duty near a Walmart in Orlando.

Police Chief John Mina said the suspect, Markieth Loyd, 41, also is also wanted in the slaying of his pregnant ex-girlfriend.

Colleagues of Clayton said she was married and the mother of a college aged son. She was being remembered Monday as a person who always had a smile on her face and often took time out of her day to interact with the community.

Her cousin told WESH 2 News Clayton recently filed paperwork to start a non-profit foundation to help the community bond with police.

More at link: http://www.wesh.com/article/slain-offic ... pd/8578106

Authorities ID deputy killed during manhunt for shooting suspect
By WESH.com | Updated: 11:27 PM EST Jan 9, 2017


Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, 35
11 year veteran, Orange County Sheriff's Office

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle deputy was killed in a crash that occurred during the search for a man accused of fatally shooting an Orlando police officer, troopers said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened near the intersection of Balboa and Pine Hills Road while the deputy was searching for Markeith Loyd, 41.

The deputy was identified Monday evening as 11-year-veteran Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, 35.

Sheriff Jerry Demings said Lewis was riding a motorcycle when another vehicle turned in front of him.

More at link: http://www.wesh.com/article/deputy-stru ... ng/8577828

Maybe they will make this guy an offer he can't refuse.

Affidavit: Man helped hide fugitive accused of killing, ex-girlfriend, OPD sergeant
By WFTV9 | Updated: Jan 11, 2017 - 1:26 PM



ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A man accused of aiding fugitive Markeith Loyd was arrested Tuesday night, according to Orange County authorities.

Investigators said they arrested Zarghee Mayan on charges that he helped Loyd, 41, hide after Loyd's pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, was killed on Dec. 13.

During an interview with investigators on Dec. 14, Mayan said “he was at work (New Texas Fried Chicken) and Loyd walked in after the homicide armed with a gun. Loyd pointed at Mayan’s head and said, ‘Drive me or I will kill you. I just did something real bad,’” according to an arrest affidavit.

But detectives said Mayan, 33, changed his story several times about his interaction with Loyd, according to the affidavit. The sheriff’s office report also said that Mayan said the last time he saw and spoke with Loyd was on Jan. 7.

The affidavit said Mayan told another detective that he never had a gun pointed at him, nor did he see Loyd at the restaurant. Instead, Mayan claimed that he saw Loyd on Dec. 13 when he and a friend drove to an Orange County home on Jackson Street to buy marijuana.

According to the arrest affidavit, Mayan said Loyd told him to drive to an address in Richmond Heights, knock on the door and ask for his estranged wife. The affidavit said Mayan claimed to pretend to knock because he “believed that if he made contact with the ex-wife at that residence, Loyd was going to shoot her also.”

More at link: http://www.wftv.com/news/local/man-arre ... /483421534

Police: Fugitive wanted in officer's fatal shooting captured



ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The suspect in the fatal shooting of an Orlando police officer was captured Tuesday night after eluding a massive manhunt for more than a week, authorities said.

Orlando police Chief John Mina said Markeith Loyd, 41, was flushed out of an abandoned house and taken into custody, ending a manhunt that began with the Jan. 9 killing of Lt. Debra Clayton outside a Wal-Mart store.

Local television stations showed Loyd with a bloodied face as a half-dozen officers and deputies took him into police headquarters.

Mina tweeted, "Captured and wearing Lt. Debra Clayton's handcuffs."

Loyd was wearing body armor and carrying two handguns — one equipped with a 100-round magazine — when he surrendered after a SWAT team surrounded the house in western Orlando, Mina said at a news conference. He said Loyd resisted arrest and had some facial injuries that were being treated.

Mina denied rumors that the arrest was the result of an anonymous tip, saying that Loyd was captured by the tireless efforts of law enforcement.

...more at link
https://apnews.com/b8a68a1c5ba44dc1849f ... g-captured

_________________
Do not go gentle into that good night.
___________ Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Loyd is still in the hospital. No word when he will be going to jail. This is as he was leaving the jail last night and being transported to the hospital. I love the job they did bandaging him up.

When Loyd was arrested, he handed over (dropped in the yard) two pistols -- one has a 100-round drum.

Bond set at $400,000 for man accused of helping murder suspect Markeith Loyd
By WFTV-TV | January 18, 2017, 4:54PM

A man accused of assisting a fugitive wanted in connection with two killings was in court at Wednesday asking for his bond to be set at no more than $10,000.

After a bond hearing, that at times became contentious, an Orange County judge set Zarghee Mayan's bond at $400,000.

Markeith Loyd, who is accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend in December and Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton on Jan. 9, is one of Mayan's former employees.

Mayan is one of three people sitting in the Orange County Jail, accused of helping Loyd hide.

More at link: http://www.wftv.com/news/local/bond-set ... /485450749

Officer Clayton's cruiser was defaced last week while parked at the memorial sight.
There's a link in this article to video of Loyd's tantrum in Court last week. As a result, he is being held without bond.

Hearing set Thursday to determine counsel for Markeith Loyd
By WFLA.com | January 23, 2017



ORLANDO, Fla. (WESH) — A hearing is scheduled Thursday to determine whether Markeith Loyd is capable of representing himself.

Court records show that Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Fred Lauten will preside Thursday morning over a “determination of counsel” hearing for Loyd.

Loyd is charged in the murders of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton and his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon.

During an expletive-laced court appearance last week that ended when he said “(expletive) you” to Judge Jeanette Dejuras Bigney, Loyd said he plans to defend himself.

More at link: http://wfla.com/2017/01/23/hearing-set- ... eith-loyd/

This is Loyd's third first appearance on an additional charge of resisting arrest without violence.

Markeith Loyd First Appearance Day 01/25/17 1:20m



He will appear again tomorrow for a hearing to determine counsel.

Legal analysts are saying the judge will probably order a psychological examination before allowing him to represent himself and appoint a stand-by counsel.

I can't imagine this guy representing himself.

Suspected Cop Killer Markeith Loyd Competent to Represent Himself, Judge Rules
By Daniella Silva | NBC News | January 26, 2017

A Florida man accused of killing his pregnant ex-wife, and then fatally shooting a police officer during a manhunt that left another cop dead, is competent enough to waive his right to a lawyer, a judge ruled on Thursday.

Markeith Loyd, 41, appeared in an Orlando courtroom after telling the judge last week that he wanted to represent himself. He faces 11 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and killing of an unborn child by injury to the mother.
[...]
Judge Frederick Lauten ruled Thursday that Loyd was competent to waive his right to counsel and represent himself after a series of questions in which Loyd often looked down and refused to respond.

"I hope you'll carefully consider what we talked about and I would urge you to consider having a lawyer represent you," he warned.

The judge said Loyd could be denied the right to represent himself in a trial if he engaged in such outbursts or other aggressive behavior.

More at link: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sus ... es-n712526

I agree with the comments on the page. The Judge was VERY good at talking to the POS.

Markeith Loyd Competency Hearing for Self Representation 01/26/17 28:10m

Markeith Loyd threatened three with gun in August, deputies say
By Gal Tziperman Lotan | Orlando Sentinel | January 30, 2017

Months before he was accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police officer, Markeith Loyd allegedly threatened three women with a handgun, Orange County deputies said.

Loyd now faces three counts of aggravated assault on top of two murder charges in the deaths of Sade Dixon and Lt. Debra Clayton, as well as a host of other violent crime charges. Documents released Monday reveal more details about the August case, for which Loyd appeared in front of a judge over the weekend.

More at link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/bre ... story.html

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In court on Saturday, January 28, 2017, after refusing to go to court on Friday. This is his appearance for these new charges. It's only a minute long but shows his continuing disdain and lack of respect for what's happening.

MARKEITH LOYD IN COURT ON NEW CHARGES

Bond remains at $400,000 for Markeith Loyd's former boss
By Gal Tziperman Lotan | Orlando Sentinel | February 1, 2017

A judge declined to lower the $400,000 bond for accused killer Markeith Loyd’s former boss on Wednesday.

Zarghee Mayan, who was Loyd’s manager at New Texas Fried Chicken on Orange Blossom Trail, is accused of aiding Loyd after the Dec. 13 murder of Sade Dixon, Loyd’s pregnant ex-girlfriend.

Mayan, 33, was one of three people arrested during the week-long manhunt for Loyd after Clayton’s death as law enforcement officers combed through the region trying to find him. Loyd’s niece, Lakensha Smith-Loyd, and an ex-girlfriend, Jameis Slaughter, were also accused of helping him while he was on the run.

Mayan’s attorney argued for a lower bond in part because Smith-Loyd had her bond dropped from $750,000 to $10,000 last week, and co-defendants typically have similar bonds.

Smith-Loyd was arrested after Mayan told deputies she picked up Loyd's paycheck from the New Texas Fried Chicken restaurant Mayan managed. She posted bond and was released from jail Thursday.

More at link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/bre ... story.html

Markeith Loyd's ex-girlfriend to argue for lower bond
By Gal Tziperman Lotan | Orlando Sentinel | February 2, 2017


Jameis Slaughter

An attorney for Markeith Loyd’s ex-girlfriend, one of three people arrested during the manhunt for the accused killer, filed a motion arguing that she should have her $500,000 bond reduced.

Jameis Slaughter, 25, faces a charge of being an accessory after the fact in the December killing of Sade Dixon, Loyd’s pregnant ex-girlfriend, and of giving deputies her twin sister’s name instead of her own.

She is being held in the Orange County Jail.
[...]
A bond hearing has been set for Tuesday morning, Malove said.

In the written motion, Malove wrote that Slaughter’s only income before her arrest came from disability payments. Her aunt and uncle, who helped support her and three of her siblings, cannot afford to pay her current bond, she wrote.

“$500,000.00 is far beyond their financial ability," Malove wrote.

The motion also claims that Slaughter has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, and was getting treatment at Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare before her arrest.

If released from jail until her trial, Slaughter would stay with her aunt.

More at link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/bre ... story.html

Charges dropped for Markeith Loyd's niece; Bond reduced for ex-girlfriend, boss
By Gal Tziperman Lotan | Orlando Sentinel | February 8, 2017

Orange County prosecutors declined to file charges against the niece of Markeith Loyd, one of three people arrested during the manhunt for the alleged killer and accused of helping him.

There was not enough evidence to prove the case against Lakensha Smith-Loyd in court, state attorney’s spokeswoman Eryka Washington said. Smith-Loyd, who was initially held on a $750,000 bond, was released from the Orange County Jail on a $10,000 bond in late January. The case against her will close.

The other two people arrested during the manhunt had their bonds lowered Tuesday: Loyd's ex-girlfriend, Jameis Slaughter, from $500,000 to $25,000; and his former boss, Zarghee Mayan, from $400,000 to $20,000.

More at link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/ora ... story.html

The State Attorney's Office held a news conference but, other than announcing the grand jury indictment, the majority of it was political issues. The current death penalty laws in FL are on hold. Despite what she stated, (imo) there's no doubt they will eventually seek the death penalty. Reminder: this POS wants to represent himself.

Markeith Loyd indicted on first-degree murder charges
By Caitlin Doornbos, Gal Tziperman Lotan | Orlando Sentinel | February 15, 2017

A grand jury on Wednesday indicted Markeith Loyd in two first-degree murder cases, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced.
[...]
Ayala said her office has not determined whether it will seek the death penalty. Florida does not currently have a valid death penalty statute since various courts struck down previous laws.

A Florida House panel approved a new death penalty bill on Wednesday.

“We are eagerly anticipating a new statue from the legislature, and at that point we will determine whether to seek the death penalty for Markeith Loyd,” Ayala said.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/mar ... story.html

Markeith Loyd was arraigned in court on Wednesday but did not plea. His behavior in Court seems to be getting better in court except he asked the Judge, while the Judge was reading the MANY charges, if "are you done?". The Judge is SO good communicating with him. Shown in this short video.

Markeith Loyd hands judge handwritten note 1:30m




Markeith Loyd Arraignment 02/22/17 24:30m (starts at 7:50m)

Well, I was wrong about the state seeking the death penalty on this case.
A former state attorney says this is the reason for Ayala's decision: "...George Soros, who helped fund a political action committee that donated $1.4 million to her campaign."

State Attorney Aramis Ayala won't seek the death penalty during her watch
By Stephanie Allen, Rene Stutzman, Gal Tziperman Lotan | March 16, 2017

Newly elected Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced Thursday morning that she will not seek the death penalty in any case under her administration — including the case against accused cop killer Markeith Loyd.

“I have determined that doing so is not in the best interest of the community or the best interest of justice,” Ayala said during a news conference Thursday. “I will continue to hold people who do harm to this community accountable for their actions.”

The Ninth Circuit State’s Attorney, who represents 1.4 million people, said she understands that law enforcement may be upset, but she did not make the decision arbitrarily.

Reaction came swiftly from state officials and local law enforcement.

Gov. Rick Scott asked Ayala to recuse herself from Loyd’s case.

“She has made it abundantly clear that she will not fight for justice for Lt. Debra Clayton and our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day,” Scott said.

"State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s decision today sends a dangerous message to residents and visitors of the greater Orlando area—furthermore, it is a blatant neglect of duty and a shameful failure to follow the law as a constitutionally elected officer,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Both Orlando Police Chief and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings expressed their disappointment in the decision.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/bre ... story.html

The Latest: Gov. reassigns officer-killed case
By Associated Press | March 16, 2017

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Latest on the decision by a top prosecutor in central Florida to no longer seek the death penalty (all times local):

4:10 p.m.

Florida's governor is reassigning a case involving the killing of a police officer after an Orlando prosecutor said she no will longer seek the death penalty.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday that the governor is reassigning the Markeith Loyd case to a prosecutor in a neighboring district northwest of Orlando.

Scott's action came hours after the top prosecutor in Orlando announced her office will no longer seek the death penalty in cases.

Loyd's case is the most visible one affected by State Attorney Aramis Ayala's decision. He is charged with killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and Lt. Debra Clayton.

Ayala says there is no evidence of improved public safety for citizens or law enforcement with the death penalty, and that such cases are costly and drag on for years.

More at link: https://apnews.com/571eea3094004951bcc2 ... illed-case

Questions about who decided this. First the bonds were reduced following the niece not charged. Now no charges on these two.

Charges against Markeith Loyd's former boss, ex-girlfriend dropped, court records show
By Stephanie Allen | Orlando Sentinel | March 16, 2017

Prosecutors have declined to file charges against Markeith Loyd’s former boss and ex-girlfriend, who were arrested during the manhunt for the alleged killer.

Zarghee Mayan and Jameis Slaughter were accused of helping Loyd after the Dec. 13 murder of Sade Dixon, Loyd’s pregnant ex-girlfriend.

It’s unclear why prosecutors declined to file formal charges against them. In court documents filed Wednesday, Assistant State Attorney Kelly Barbara Hicks wrote that the cases are “not suitable for prosecution.”

Both were facing a felony charge of accessory after the fact and were released from the Orange County Jail in February on $20,000 bail. The cases will be closed.

Slaughter also is facing a misdemeanor charge of giving a false name to law enforcement. That case is still pending.

Investigators said Mayan was untruthful during interviews and accused him of knowingly aiding Loyd. They said detectives first met with Mayan, who was Loyd’s manager at New Texas Fried Chicken on Orange Blossom Trail, the day after Dixon’s death.

More at link: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/bre ... story.html