‘We can move forward’: Officials react to death penalty recommendation for Markeith Loyd

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida law enforcement officials took to social media on Wednesday to react to the news that a jury has recommended the death sentence for Markieth Loyd.

Loyd was convicted of murdering Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton.

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Read their reactions below:

Orlando Police Department

“Lt. Clayton believed in building relationships with the community. We will always remember our friend & coworker, & will do our best to live her legacy,” Orlando Police Department tweeted Wednesday.

READ: Jury reaches verdict in Markeith Loyd sentencing trial

Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon

“In the years since her death, Lieutenant Clayton’s loved ones and the entire OPD family waited for the day where the defendant would be held accountable for his heinous crimes,” Rolon said in a statement. “He will now face the highest penalty provided by law.”

READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?

Orange County Sheriff John Mina

“Nothing can erase the pain so many of us feel about the fact that Debra was murdered in cold blood as she worked to protect this community,” Mina tweeted. “We will always be here for her family, and she will never, ever be forgotten. But today, there is some relief in knowing that we can move forward and never have to hear the name Markeith Loyd again.”

READ: Who is Markeith Loyd?

Orange County Sheriff’s Office

“Her sacrifice for this community will never be forgotten,” the sheriff’s office said in a tweet.

Photos: Markeith Loyd through the years

See photos from the courtroom below:

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Markeith Loyd sentenced to death (WFTV)

See video of him learning his fate below:

See the moment convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd learns a jury recommended he be sentenced to death The jury recommended that Markeith Loyd be sentenced to death for the murder of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton. (WFTV)

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