Accused Cop Killer Remains At-Large As Final Respects Paid To Slain Officer

ORLANDO, FL — As law enforcement officers across the state of Florida continue efforts to track down an accused cop killer, Orlando is paying its final respects to Master Sgt. Debra Clayton.

Clayton, 42, was a 17-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department. She was gunned down Monday after authorities say she encountered a man wanted on an outstanding murder warrant. That man, Markeith Loyd, 41, also stands accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and wounding her brother in December.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina said Clayton was at a Walmart around 7:15 a.m. Jan. 9 when a shopper told her Loyd was inside the store. Clayton reportedly called for backup to help her at the John Young Parkway and Princeton Street location, but then obtained visual confirmation of Loyd for herself. Police say she chased after Loyd and ordered him to stop.

Mina said Loyd did not stop but opened fire instead. Clayton fired back but did not hit him. It has since been announced that authorities believe Loyd was wearing body armor at the time.

Clayton was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, but the mother of one, succumbed to her injuries at 7:40 a.m. Jan. 9, Mina reported.

Orlando law enforcement personnel and residents lined the city's streets Friday as Clayton’s body was taken to First Baptist Orlando to prepare for her funeral. A public viewing was planned for 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 13 at the 3000 S. John Young Parkway church.

Clayton’s funeral services will take place at First Baptist Orlando on Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. The police department plans to live stream the services via its website. Following those services, Clayton will be entombed at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, in Gotha.

A reward of up to $100,000 is being offered for Loyd’s capture. While several people have been arrested for allegedly aiding his escape efforts, Loyd has not yet been found. The search for Loyd expanded into Polk County Thursday after it was learned that he has family in the Haines City area. That community’s police department issued a warning to residents that any sightings of Loyd should prompt a call to authorities as he “is considered armed and extremely dangerous.”

Meanwhile, services for Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Norman Lewis have been postponed due to a family emergency. The sheriff’s office announced the news Friday, but did not elaborate on the reason.

Lewis, a motorcycle deputy, was killed Monday when he was struck by a motorist as he was responding to the search for Loyd.

A church service for Lewis is planned for Jan. 15 at First Baptist Church of Orlando at 2:30 p.m. Viewing will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at Murdock Baptist Church, 18375 Cochran Blvd., in Port Charlotte on Monday, Jan. 16. The service will begin at 2 p.m. with interment following at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, 9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Road in Punta Gorda.

Anyone with information about Loyd’s whereabouts is asked to call local law enforcement or 911.

• See also: Accused Cop Killer’s ‘Most Wanted’ Aspirations Aired On Facebook

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department