Accused Orlando Cop Killer’s ‘Most Wanted’ Aspirations Aired On Facebook

ORLANDO, FL — As the search continues for the man accused of gunning down an Orlando Police officer Monday, just weeks after the shooting death of his pregnant girlfriend, more details about Markeith Loyd’s life have surfaced.

Loyd, 41, has a long criminal history, dating back decades. Past charges include battery on a corrections officer, cocaine trafficking and domestic violence. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Loyd took his criminal career to a new level on Dec. 13 when he’s accused of shooting and killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon, 24. He’s also accused of injuring Dixon’s brother.

Just one day before that shooting, a Facebook page that is believed to belong to Loyd offered an ominous hint of what was to come. “Orlando, Fla.. ,when you talk about street legends mention ME!!!! Me!!!!”

Another post on the page, added on Nov. 30, reads: “Goals!!! To be on Americas most wanted.”

Loyd’s alleged actions in the death of Dixon didn’t quite elevate him to “America’s Most Wanted” status, but his name was catapulted into the local spotlight. It was based on that initial manhunt that Master Sgt. Debra Clayton would have her fatal run-in with the accused killer on Jan. 9.

See also: Orlando Cop Killed In Shooting; Deputy Dies During Manhunt (Video)

According to the Orlando Police Department, Clayton, 42, was at a Walmart around 7:15 a.m. 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.

Police Chief John Mina said Loyd did not stop but opened fire instead. Clayton fired back but did not hit him.

Clayton was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center following the shooting, but the mother of one, a 17-year veteran of the department, succumbed to her injuries at 7:40 a.m., Mina reported.

A short time after the shooting at Walmart, an Orange County deputy encountered Loyd, whose status was elevated to accused cop killer at that point. The deputy’s unmarked SUV was reportedly fired upon by Loyd, who managed to get away. Police say Loyd was responsible for a carjacking shortly after the run-in with the deputy, but that vehicle was later found abandoned.

Loyd was nowhere to be found.

See also: Support For Orlando Pours In Following Officers' Deaths

As the search for the accused cop killer kicked into high gear Monday, an Orange County deputy, Norman Lewis, was killed in a motorcycle crash while responding to the manhunt.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Loyd remained at large. Mina has vowed not to rest until Loyd is in custody.

Law enforcement has turned up the heat. A $60,000 reward is being offered for the capture of Loyd. Considered “armed and extremely dangerous,” anyone who encounters him is asked not to approach and to call 911 immediately instead.

While the search for Loyd continues, a candlelight vigil has been planned for Jan. 10 outside the Walmart on Princeton Street. The vigil is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. to honor both fallen law enforcement officers.

Clayton's patrol vehicle was parked outside the Orlando Police Department headquarters Tuesday to serve as a memorial for the fallen officer.

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department