ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The force used by officers while arresting accused cop-killer Markeith Loyd was “lawful and justified” according to a governor-appointed state attorney who reviewed the case.
During his arrest, Loyd sustained significant injuries to his head and face, including the loss of his eye, according to a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation.
Loyd is accused of killing his pregnant former girlfriend Sade Dixon and Lt. Deborah Clayton, of the Orlando Police Department.
State Attorney Phil Archer said he carefully reviewed FDLE’s report at the request of then-Gov. Rick Scott.
“After carefully examining the report and evidence, I have determined that the use of force used during the arrest of Markeith Loyd was lawful and justified under the provisions of Florida Statutes, and no further action will be taken by this office,” Archer said in a news release sent out Wednesday.
READ: Prosecutors looking to use Markeith Loyd's criminal record to secure death penalty
Going through the report now. This summary version is ten pages long, authored by Archer’s second in command Stacey Salmons. It features her decision-making process after reviewing the FDLE’s raw investigation. Live on #WFTV at noon with more. pic.twitter.com/L0gbL8xkJJ
— Field Sutton (@EFieldSutton) July 31, 2019
Four @OrlandoPolice sergeants and officers had their actions scrutinized within this framework: Sgt. James Parker, Sgt. Anthony Mongelluzzo, Officer Cedric Hinkles and Officer Jonathan Cute. #WFTV
— Field Sutton (@EFieldSutton) July 31, 2019
The report says that four officers used deadly force on Markeith Loyd and that all four were justified. None of them will be criminally charged, the report states.
The Orlando Police Department released the following statement related to the news from Archer:
"State Attorney Phil Archer and his team have concluded their use of force investigation in to our officers who arrested Markeith Loyd. We certainly appreciate the thoroughness and due diligence that SA Archer and his staff have given to this investigation. With the State Attorney's Office investigation now complete, the Orlando Police Department's internal affairs investigation will continue. With our internal investigation underway, Chief Rolón will not be giving any media interviews so that his comments don't have an impact on the outcome of that review." -- Cory Burkarth, Orlando Police Department
State Attorney Phil Archer releases review findings, statement, and summary of FDLE inquiry into 2017 Markeith Loyd arrest use of force. Release, statement & findings summary download https://t.co/2vul7l2NC1
— State Attorney 18th Circuit FL (@SA18PIO) July 31, 2019
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