‘A step toward justice’: Central Florida reacts to guilty verdict in Markeith Loyd’s murder trial

ORLANDO, Fla. — Law enforcement agencies are reacting after Markeith Loyd was found guilty of killing Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton.

LIVE UPDATES: Jury finds Markeith Loyd guilty of murdering Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton

Loyd was found guilty by a jury just after 1:30 p.m.

The judge said court will resume for penalty phase on Friday.

READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?

“It’s definitely been a roller coaster,” Clayton’s sister told Channel 9. “I love my sister and she didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Here is reaction to the verdict from local law enforcement officials who knew Clayton personally:

Orlando Police Department:

The Orlando Police Department released a statement by Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina:

Orange County Sheriff John Mina, who was the chief of the Orlando Police Department at the time of Clayton’s death wrote in all caps, “cop killer found guilty of murdering lt. Debra Clayton.”

WATCH: ‘Like a sister’: Sheriff, commissioner remember OPD Lt. Debra Clayton

Orange County Sheriff’s Office:

The Orange County Sheriff’s office wrote “Jury has found Markeith Loyd guilty of first degree murder in the killing of Lt. Debra Clayton. We will never forget you, Debra.”

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

©2021 Cox Media Group