State attorney to seek death penalty against man accused of killing Daytona Beach police officer

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The State Attorney says it will formally seek the death penalty for the man accused of killing Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor.

State Attorney for the 7th District R.J. Larizza made the announcement at a news conference Wednesday.

Larizza said a Volusia grand jury formally indicted Othal Wallace on first-degree murder after reviewing evidence and testimony in the case.

TIMELINE: Othal Wallace captured in Georgia

Wallace has yet to enter a plea on the murder charge but did say in a jailhouse interview he felt he was faced with two choices: death or jail on the night of the shooting.

Officer Raynor was on patrol June 23 when he was shot in the head by suspected gunman Othal Wallace.

READ: Daytona Beach police officer Jason Raynor dies after being shot in the head

Raynor was responding to a suspicious incident near Kingston Avenue in Daytona Beach when he encountered Wallace.

Body camera video showed Wallace attacking Raynor before ultimately shooting him and fleeing the scene.

READ: State attorney to seek death penalty for man accused of fatally shooting Daytona Beach officer

Wallace was later arrested in Georgia and brought back to Florida days later.

Wallace remains in custody without bail as he awaits his trial.

Photos: Funeral procession for fallen Daytona Beach Officer Jason Raynor

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 8

Funeral procession for Officer Jason Raynor Members of the public were invited Monday afternoon to show their respects during a funeral procession for Raynor. (WFTV.com News Staff)

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