‘I think he’s a murderer’: Sheriff John Mina weighs in on Markeith Loyd’s murder trial

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff John Mina said he is looking forward to Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial being over.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Loyd, who is accused of fatally shooting Lt. Debra Clayton outside an Orange County Walmart in January 2017.

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Mina, who served as the Orlando police chief at the time of the shooting, said he hopes a verdict will bring closure to Clayton’s loved ones and the entire Orlando Police Department, who lost a beloved officer.

“It’s seems like it’s been a long time, but I am glad it’s finally here,” Mina said.

LIVE UPDATES: Prosecution rests case, testimony wraps for the day in Markeith Loyd trial

Loyd is using the insanity defense, saying that he was afraid the police officers who were searching for him were going to kill him, which is why he allegedly fired at Clayton.

“No, I don’t believe that for a second,” Mina said.

“What do you think happened?” asked Channel 9 reporter Shannon Butler.

READ: Markeith Loyd murder trial: How to watch

“I think he’s a murderer,” Mina said.

Now that Loyd’s trail is underway, the community will find out which story the jury believes.

READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?

He said what has happened over the last year and a half since George Floyd’s death should not be a factor. Mina said Loyd is the worst of the worst when it comes to criminals.

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Markeith Loyd (wftv.com)

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