Some news broke last night when authorities announced several arrests in the tragic shooting of long time Orlando Police Officer Debra Clayton. The prime suspect, Markeith Loyd, is still at large. The arrests came down on several people who actually helped this multiple murderer evade capture.
As Faithwire previously reported, Clayton was gunned down answering the call of duty to investigate a possible sighting of a wanted murder suspect. She was a 17 year vet and her colleagues had nothing but great things to say about her, including they considered themselves ‘family’ and even went to church together.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Markeith Loyd’s former boss, niece and ex-girlfriend have been arrested for aiding the escape of a murder suspect.
Markeith visited his former boss at Texas Fried Chicken restaurant wearing a bulletproof vest and had a pistol in his waistband just two days before police say he killed an Orlando police officer, court records released Wednesday show.
Zarghee Mayan gave the hungry Loyd some free food Saturday, knowing his former employee had been on the run since police said he killed his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon and wounded her brother Dec. 13, he told investigators.
Three people have been arrested so far in the search for Loyd. Mayan was arrested Tuesday, Loyd’s niece, Lakensha Smith-Loyd, and his ex-girlfriend Jameis Slaughter were arrested Wednesday. All are charged with being accessory to first-degree murder after the fact in Dixon’s death.
Loyd was already wanted for the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend. You can read the full details of how these three helped a cop-killer remain at-large via the Orlando Sentinel.
The reward for tips leading to Loyd’s capture are now up to $100,000:
More than 550 tips have come in. Reward for Markeith Loyd is $100,000. We follow up on every viable lead. Call @CrimelineFL 800-423-TIPS pic.twitter.com/HFmqQxgUl6
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 12, 2017
In addition to Officer Clayton, 11-year veteran Deputy 1st Class Norman Lewis died in a vehicle accident during the manhunt for Loyd.
His mother spoke during a beautiful tribute to the fallen Orlando law enforcement last night. She fought back tears as she said “It’s not going to be easy, but we have faith and we trust God.”
Deputy Lewis' mother Norma bravely and eloquently addressing the crowd. pic.twitter.com/5yOSNAjdZx
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 12, 2017
Call 1-800-423-TIPS if you have any information that could help bring prime suspect Markeith Loyd into custody.
Manhunt continues, callers remin anonymous. Call 1-800-423-TIPS @CrimelineFL pic.twitter.com/A6Qve7bGL4
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) January 12, 2017
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