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Residents question law enforcement on search for accused cop killer

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orlando police and Orange County deputies defended their actions Tuesday and told the community and media that they’ve been searching for Markeith Loyd since he was accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, on Dec. 13.

Residents in Pine Hills told Channel 9's Cierra Putman that they feel authorities didn't care about catching Loyd until he killed one of their own, Orlando Master Sgt. Debra Clayton.

"FBI Most Wanted" tweeted a photo of Loyd Tuesday

The 17-year veteran was shot and killed in a Walmart parking lot Monday near Princeton Street and John Young Parkway in Orange County. Loyd is accused of killing Clayton, police said.

Audra Willsey wrote on our Eyewitness News Facebook page, "Just another example of when a ‘blue life’ matters more than the life of a black woman and her unborn child. Horrendous!"

Images of Loyd were also posted on his Facebook page after he was accused of killing Dixon. Some told Eyewitness News they think he was unafraid of getting caught even though he was wanted for murder.

Photos: Orlando police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton 

“A lot of people are saying that they should have found him then,” said resident Raymond Furness. “But at the same time, if somebody was helping him get away, then there’s nothing that they (law enforcement) really could have done anyway.”

Furness said that changing the perception that police don’t care if an “average Joe” is killed, is key to build trust in the community.

A $100,000 reward has been offered for his information on his whereabouts that lead to an arrest.

Live Blog: Manhunt underway for Markeith Loyd

A spokesperson for Crimeline told Eyewitness News that they’ve received 300 tips about Loyd since Monday.

Funeral arrangements for Clayton's funeral will be held at the First Baptist Orlando at 3000 South John Young Parkway on Saturday at 2 p.m.

GoFundMe account created for family of Master Sgt. Clayton

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