Judge denies Aramis Ayala's motion to prosecute Markeith Loyd's case

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orange County judge on Tuesday denied a motion filed by State Attorney Aramis Ayala to be reinstated as the prosecutor in murder suspect Markeith Loyd’s case.

Earlier this month, Florida Gov. Rick Scott removed State Attorney Aramis Ayala from Loyd’s case and appointed State Attorney Brad King to prosecute it instead.

The decision came after Ayala announced that she won’t pursue the death penalty in Loyd’s case or any other during her tenure.

Loyd is accused of fatally shooting his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in January.

Loyd said Tuesday that the continued fight over the death penalty in Orange and Osceola counties is violating his rights.

Ayala asked Judge Frederick Lauten to reinstate her during Tuesday's hearing.

Both Ayala and King presented their arguments to the judge, but Lauten ultimately ruled that State Attorney Brad King would try Loyd's case.

The judge said the Florida Supreme Court would have to consider Ayala's appeal to Scott's decision.

The judge said he's unwilling to delay Loyd's trial and that Scott was well within his rights to remove Ayala from Loyd's case.

Cox Media Group