ARAMIS AYALA

Incumbent Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody faces no Republican challengers for the Aug. 23 Florida primary, but three Democrats are vying to challenge her in the November general election.

A criminal defense attorney and social activist who made headlines as the "Florida grim reaper" is vying for the seat of Florida's attorney general.

One day after Markeith Loyd was sentenced to death, the lead prosecutor on the case announced he is stepping down as a prosecutor and headed into private practice.

The Florida Division of Elections website shows Ayala filed to run for the position Wednesday.

Purple Door Luncheon Six advocates dedicated to ending domestic violence in Central Florida will be honored by Harbor House on Wednesday. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Six advocates dedicated to ending domestic violence in Central Florida will be honored by Harbor House on Wednesday. Harbor House, Orange County’s only 24/7 state-certified domestic violence organization, will honor six “Champions of Courage” for their work to end domestic violence locally and nationally during the Signature Purple Door Luncheon. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

A jury of Markeith Loyd’s peers has spoken and recommended the death penalty for the murder of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, a UCF graduate. Whether or not Loyd will actually be sentenced to death is in the hands of the sentencing judge. Ayala, who fervently opposes the death penalty, expressed that she would seek death in this case or any other that qualified for capital punishment. This argument certainly became more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic as current Governor Ron Desantis restricted the ability of local leaders to enact regulatory measures. Again, many of the local leaders argued that they know what’s best for their community — more so than those who don’t reside there.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — More than a year ago, the office of then-State Attorney Aramis Ayala released its list of police officers and deputies whose history might make them questionable witnesses in crimes. Now, State Attorney Monique Worrell has redeveloped that process, this time with full support from many law enforcement agencies. Worrell went back to the drawing board after hearing strong concerns from law enforcement about its fairness to officers. READ: 2 injured in shooting outside Paddock Mall in Ocala, police saySo far, all agencies in Osceola County have signed on to the redeveloped policy. But agencies are legally required to sign on, and at least seven in Orange County haven’t agreed; neither have the FBI, FDLE or FHP.

Former Orlando Magic player and current Windermere homeowner Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Aramis Ayala in her campaign to take over Val Demings' congressional seat. Demings has...

The highest-profile name running for the soon-to-be vacated seat of Florida congresswoman Val Demings is undoubtedly ex-state attorney Aramis Ayala. However, one of Ayala's challengers...

ORLANDO, Fla. — The race to replace Congresswoman Val Demings has begun, even though she hasn’t technically announced that she’s leaving. Three major candidates have already declared their intentions to run in the Central Florida district. READ: Democratic options in 2022 run through I-4Demings announced last week that she’s seriously considering a challenge to Republican Senator Marco Rubio for his seat. — Val Demings (@val_demings) May 18, 2021She’s seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, making President Joe Biden’s short list for Vice President nominees. Florida State Senator Randolph Bracy has announced plans to run, as has former State Attorney Aramis Ayala.

Three candidates have thrown their hat into the ring for U.S. Rep. Val Demings’ seat in Congress.

Several Central Florida politicians have announced their plans to run for current US House Rep. Val Demings' seat in Congress. Former State Attorney Aramis Ayala,...

Former state attorney Aramis Ayala is exploring a run for U.S. Senate in an attempt to flip one of Florida’s two seats currently held by Republicans.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A former Orange County judge accused of molesting a girl will not be facing charges, according to a court memorandum. [TRENDING: Winter storm shuts down Fla. schools | Fla. man arrested in Capitol riot: I was following Trump’s orders | Shoe removed from 341-pound croc]AdGov. In another interview with prosecutors, the girl denied Apte had touched her breasts. Upon further investigation, the girl also told interviewers she reported the alleged molestation to a teacher and a guidance counselor. When interviewers went to cross-reference the story, the two denied the girl had accused Apte of abuse.

CELEBRATION, Fla. – A man accused of killing his wife and three young children inside their Celebration home last year will stand trial in September. At a status hearing held Wednesday, a judge set Sept. 27 as the date for Anthony Todt’s murder trial. The hearing was the first since Todt found out he will no longer be facing the death penalty. Former State Attorney Aramis Ayala decided not to seek the death penalty because of concerns about Todt’s mental health. Todt is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of animal cruelty for the deaths of his wife, three children and dog.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office won’t seek the death penalty against the man accused of murdering a married couple in Kissimmee more than two years ago, according to court records. Ayala was initially seeking the death penalty in all three cases. Ayala previously announced she would not seek the death penalty in any case. When she first announced plans to not seek the death penalty in 2019, then-Gov. This was Aramis’ first week, beginning her term with a discussion about death penalty.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala will not seek the death penalty against Anthony Todt, who stands accused of killing his wife and three children at a home in Celebration last year. Ayala, who has made headlines in the past due to her stance on the death penalty, filed a notice of intent to not seek the death penalty in the case of Todt and several other high-profile cases. News 6 has reached out to Ayala, who did not seek re-election, for comment but has not heard back. He made similar claims in the two phone calls to his sister in March and April, suggesting that Megan Todt had tried to kill the children before. Todt told his sister in a phone call from jail that he couldn’t have stopped his family from being slain — because he wasn’t around.

The State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, which oversees cases in Orange and Osceola counties, unveiled three new diversion programs Monday. The new programs target those caught driving with a suspended license and combat human trafficking and underage drinking. The State attorney’s office is also working with two University of Central Florida students to dissuade underage drinking. The pilot initiative aims to help victims of human trafficking avoid prostitution charges and potentially get help. The goal is to end that cycle.”Rossman said in 2019, there were close to 120 prostitution offenses that crossed the state attorney’s office.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Democrat Monique Worrell has been declared the winner of the Orange-Osceola state attorney race. As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, she had 66% of the vote with 342 out of 348 precincts reporting. [LIVE RACE RESULTS: Scroll to bottom of story to see all race returns]RACE DETAILS BELOWAfter a heavily contested primary, voters had the choice of two candidates to replace Aramis Ayala as the state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties. He’s been endorsed by former Orange County sheriffs Kevin Beary and Lawson Lamar. Monique Worrell (D)Monique Worrell has earned endorsements from Ayala, Sen. Bernie Sanders and singer John Legend.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – After a heavily contested primary, voters now have the choice of two candidates to replace Aramis Ayala as the state attorney for Orange and Osceola counties. Before the November election, get to know more about the two candidates vying for the position of top prosecutor. Here’s what you need to know:Jose Torroella (NPA)Jose Torreolla says he wants to bring truth and fairness to the office if he’s elected. He’s been endorsed by former Orange County sheriffs Kevin Beary and Lawson Lamar. Click here or visit ClickOrlando.com/results2020 to learn more about what you can expect to see on your ballot.

Find All Race Results HereORLANDO, Fla. – On Nov. 3, voters in Flagler and Volusia and Orange and Osceola counties will decide their next state attorneys. In Orange County, with Aramis Ayala not running for re-election, either Jose Torreolla or Monique Worrell will become the next Orange-Osceola state attorney. In the 7th Judicial Circuit race, Republican incumbent R.J. Larizza is running against independent candidate Don Dempsey to keep his role as Flagler-Volusia State Attorney. Check all the races in Central Florida and statewide in the dropdown menu below, and get more information on the ClickOrlando.com Results 2020 page.

Find All Race Results HereORLANDO, Fla. – Some of the key races in Orange County include sheriff and state attorney. Orange County Sheriff John Mina looks to hold off Tim Lucas Adams and Winston Johnson. Meanwhile, with Aramis Ayala not running for re-election, either Jose Torreolla and Monique Worrell will become the next Orange-Osceola state attorney. Check out all the Orange County races, including how residents voted for president, in the list below. Check all the races in Central Florida and statewide in the dropdown menu below, and get more information on the ClickOrlando.com Results 2020 page.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – People who are arrested on charges of resisting law enforcement without violence may not necessarily face jail time under outgoing State Attorney Aramis Ayala’s new policy. She laid out her new diversion program Tuesday saying, effective immediately, her office will change the way it prosecutes resisting an officer without violence cases. Ayala said this new diversion program is focused on education and mitigating injustice within the community. Ayala admitted during the news conference she had not spoken to local law enforcement about her office’s new diversion program. But these decisions should be thoughtful, and carefully considered by all members of the law enforcement community and their stakeholders.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – More than 30 community leaders packed inside a room at The Experience Christian Center Thursday morning to find solutions on how to stop the violence in Orange County. [RELATED: Crimeline still seeking tips in deaths of 14-year-old, 3-year-old killed]This comes after one week after 14-year-old Denis Atkinson was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Orange County last week. Today was a real meeting of pulling a lot of individuals together.”McRae showed proposals brought by the leaders. One of them is a proposal to reduce gun violence in Orange County. After the meeting, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said he is committed to working with the community leaders.

Monique Worrell beat out three democratic candidates to win the Aug. 18 primary election for state attorney in what was considered a crowded field with 42% of the vote. Asked if that handed her the primary election win, she said the momentum began well before those commercials aired. “I was sworn in as an Assistant State Attorney. I carried a badge in the same way that all other Assistant State Attorney’s did.”AdWorrell also had the endorsement of the current 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Aramis Ayala. After the primary election Ayala eliminated the position of Chief Assistant State Attorney which Barra held.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. After her failed bid to get elected as the next state attorney of Orange and Osceola counties, Deborah Barras position within the office has been eliminated and shes instead been reassigned to the post-conviction unit. State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who did not seek re-election, released a statement Monday saying that her office would no longer have a chief assistant state attorney. Barras former chief assistant state attorney responsibilities will be given to three other assistant state attorneys. Mark Wixtrom will field policy questions and manage day-to-day interactions with Assistant State Attorneys in my office. Barra was one of four Democratic candidates seeking to replace Ayala next year as Orange-Osceola State Attorney.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. No matter the results of the election, residents in Orange and Osceola counties are guaranteed to have a new state attorney serving them starting next year. Four Democrats have qualified to run for the race and fill the role that will be vacated by current Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala. Barra also sits on Ayalas death penalty review panel, a group of prosecutors who decide whether the death penalty is appropriate in a first-degree murder case. (WKMG)Ryan Williams, a longtime assistant state attorney in Floridas Ninth and Fifth Judicial Circuits, resigned from Ayalas office after she announced in March 2017 that her prosecutors wouldnt seek the death penalty in any case. Williams was one of the earliest candidates in the race, announcing his intent to run in March 2019.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The conversation about criminal justice reform is both important and ongoing in our country right now. They are: Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala, author Agnes Gomillion, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition president Desmond Meade and attorney Mark O’Mara. He’s known for his efforts to civically engage local communities and push for alterations to national criminal justice policies. Since then, he’s served as a legal analyst for CNN and spoken on topics including race, criminal justice reform, guns and self-defense. He founded Justice Outreach, a nonprofit designed to identify and fix problems in the criminal justice system.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala on Tuesday released her offices Brady list that includes officers who may have credibility issues when it comes to testifying on behalf of the state. The list includes law enforcement officers from the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriffs Office and the Kissimmee Police Department, among others. Those who are on the list are not forbidden from testifying but prosecutors should proceed with caution if they plan on calling upon someone on the list. We recognize that our office should be held to the highest ethical standards possible, which is why we are releasing our initial Brady list today, Ayala said in a news release. Below is the Brady list provided by Ayalas office:

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. State Attorney Aramis Ayala has filed formal charges against the man accused of camping on Disneys Discovery Island during the coronavirus pandemic. [RELATED: Report: Man caught camping on Disneys Discovery Island says it was tropical paradise]In April, Deputies said they were called to the 4300 block of World Drive after McGuire was seen at Disney. Court records show McGuire told investigators he was sleeping inside one of the buildings on the island. Deputies said he told investigators he was not aware the property was closed. He was ordered to not return to any Disney World property.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Harbor House of Central Florida is asking for the community’s support as the nonprofit continues offering services to domestic violence victims during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the guidelines laid out by the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding limiting social gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic, Harbor House has had to postpone some of its fundraising events. Harbor House could receive money back for orders placed through Amazon Smile, according to the release. “Whatever you give, know that it makes a big difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors at Harbor House,” Harbor House officials said. If you or someone you know is being abused, you can reach a Harbor House advocate by calling 407-886-2856.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala says she is collaborating with allies to help combat domestic abuse as concern around the coronavirus grows in Central Florida. Officials said the efforts are meant to assist in protecting victims of domestic violence, child abuse and animal cruelty as people are asked to stay home more often and for a longer period of time. “At the end of the day we want to make certain that victims’ lives are safe,” Ayala said. According to the State Attorney’s Office, data shows domestic violence and child abuse increases during financial stress, with the virus contributing to factors that may result in a higher likelihood of the abuse toward women, children and pets. A coalition of Central Florida leaders, including those tasked with preventing abuse and providing a safe haven for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, discussed the resources available to those who may be in need of assistance.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The estranged husband of Nicole Montalvo, a St. Cloud woman found slain last year in Osceola County, formally entered a plea Tuesday morning in court. Christopher Otero-Rivera, indicted by a grand jury last week, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, abuse of a body and tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty to second degree murder, abuse of a dead body and tampering with evidence. Cloud woman | Sheriff pushes for murder charges to be filed in Osceola mother’s death]Montalvo’s remains were found in October on the property of the family’s home.

Cloud man has been indicted on second-degree murder charges in connection with his estranged wife’s death, court records show. Christopher Otero-Rivera has been in custody since Nicole Montalvo’s remains were found on the Rivera family’s yard in late October, according to Osceola County deputies. An Osceola County clerk said Otero-Rivera has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence and abuse of a dead body while Rivera was indicted on abuse of a dead body, accessory after the fact and tampering with evidence charges. Rivera was previously charged with abuse of a dead body and failure to report a death. He was indicted on new charges of accessory after the fact, abuse of a dead body and tampering with evidence.

Cloud man accused of killing his estranged wife is asking a judge to throw out one of the criminal charges against him. According to the motion, prosecutors missed a 90-day deadline to bring him to trial on the misdemeanor charge. Cloud mom’s death incriminated son in jailhouse letter | Murder suspects’ family member told detectives he saw St. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order removing the murder case from Ayala’s office and reassigning it to neighboring State Attorney Brad King. Under Florida law, prosecutors must be ready to bring a murder case to trial withing 175 days of a suspect’s arrest.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of killing his wife and three children at their Celebration home last year has been indicted on first-degree murder charges and will face the death penalty, according to Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala. [RELATED: Celebration murder suspect claimed dead wife was sleeping, deputies say | Here’s why the man accused of killing his family in Celebration is facing federal charges | Sheriff: Man killed wife, 3 kids in Celebration home]He was also indicted on an animal cruelty charge because the family’s dog, Breezy, was also found dead, according to authorities. Ayala added that the decision to seek death is separate from her beliefs and instead is a result of a decision reached by her office’s death penalty review board. “Despite my position on the death penalty, my death penalty review board they move forward, they charge on,” Ayala said. Officials have not said how the family was killed but a report from the Medical Examiner’s Office noted that Megan Todt and her two boys were stabbed although Zoe Todt was not.

As a way to help poor people who have committed nonviolent offenses pay bail, the offices of Ayala and 9th Judicial Circuit Public Defender Bob Wesley announced Thursday the creation of the Community Bail Fund, in partnership with the Morgan & Morgan law firm. The firm said it would match the first $250,000 raised for the fund. Many choose to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit in order to receive a reduced sentence to regain their freedom quickly, Wesley told the Associated Press Many choose to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit in order to receive a reduced sentence to regain their freedom quickly, WesleyThese convictions follow an individual for the rest of their lives and impacts their ability to retain employment and housing."The cash bail system has created a structure where people of means are treated fairly and [the] poor are unduly penalized for their circumstances," said Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala.

He asked during a news conference that death penalty be sought against whomever was responsible for the 33-year-old woman’s death. [RELATED: ‘Blame and lies:’ State attorney calls out Osceola sheriff amid Nicole Montalvo’s death investigation | Gov. DeSantis removes Nicole Montalvo murder case from State Attorney Ayala amid fallout]“During that meeting it became painfully obvious that the State Attorney was unhappy with my comments regarding the death penalty and she asked me to stop making comments regarding the death penalty. There is no statute of limitations in this case.”Ultimately, DeSantis made the decision to reassign the Montalvo case to neighboring State Attorney Brad King. “Prosecutors all over the state have secured convictions for murder without knowing the manner of death,” Gibson said.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – At an unveiling of a new domestic violence vehicle, Sheriff Russ Gibson says he is waiting on Florida’s governor to make a decision in how Nicole Montalvo’s murder case will be prosecuted and by who. Ron DeSantis to reassign the case to a new state attorney altogether. "It is safe to say that the dispute between Sheriff Gibson and state attorney Ayala is now public, personal and appears to acrimonious," Moody wrote in a letter last week. Montalvo’s brother earlier this week issued a statement on behalf of the family that they are terrified by how this played out. The family has started a change.org petition to fight to get the law changed to make domestic violence charges a felony.

Florida's attorney general wants Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala to be removed from a high-profile murder case. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.

Angel Rivera and his son, Christoper Otero-Rivera, were arrested in October in connection with Nicole Montalvo’s death, but neither has been formally charged with murder. [Watch the state attorney’s full remarks at the top of this story]She said she received a call Thursday from the state office to ask if she needed help prosecuting this case. “My heart goes out to those who have been impacted by Nicole’s death," Ayala said. “From the beginning our goal is to bring justice to Nicole Montalvo, her family and the citizens of Osceola County. ­­My office will continue to work to ensure justice for Nicole Montalvo, her family, and the citizens of Osceola County,” Gibson said.

Three years after the inaugural Womens March on the day after Donald Trumps inauguration, Womens March 2020 is back to protest on behalf of women and femmes. As thousands descend on Washington, D.C., Womens March Florida chapters from all over the state gather at Orlando City Hall to demonstrate in support of the Equal Rights Amendment, racial equity, LGBTQ community protections, immigrants rights, Trumps impeachmentand more. Sign usup.Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 | Orlando City Hall, 400 S. Orange Ave. | womensmarchfl.org | freeConsider supporting local journalism. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced a new policy in how her office will handle law enforcement use of force cases in Orange and Osceola counties. The decision was prompted by a deadly officer-involved shooting at the Colonial Plaza in 2018. This prompted Ayala to start a procedure for handling law enforcement use of force cases. A team will review the cases before Ayala makes a final decision. She plans to have quarterly publications to outline the number of cases reviewed and cases cleared.

State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced a new policy in how her office will handle law enforcement use of force cases in Orange and Osceola counties. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A Central Florida state senator filed a bill to prevent young children from being arrested after national outrage was sparked when two 6-year-old children were arrested last month. The bill would prohibit law enforcement from arresting children under the age of 11. It prohibits the arrest of children younger than 11 years old unless it is a serious crime. Bracy said if the bill passes, Florida would join 23 other states that have similar laws. Kirkland is hoping the bill will get results and prevent this from happening to anyone else.

Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced an initiative to pass legislature that would set a minimum age for child arrests. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A judge on Tuesday declined a motion by Markeith Loyd's defense to remove the death penalty from his murder cases. Loyd faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, both of whom were shot to death. Loyd’s attorneys had argued that the decision should have been decided by State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who announced after Clayton's death that she would not seek the death penalty against Loyd -- or anyone. [Timeline: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded]Gov. Ayala later implemented a panel in her office to determine whether the death penalty should be used in murder cases in her jurisdiction.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A judge on Tuesday declined a motion by Markeith Loyd's defense to remove the death penalty from his murder cases. Loyd faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, both of whom were shot to death. Loyds attorneys had argued that the decision should have been decided by State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who announced after Clayton's death that she would not seek the death penalty against Loyd -- or anyone. [Timeline: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded]Gov. Ayala later implemented a panel in her office to determine whether the death penalty should be used in murder cases in her jurisdiction.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Orange Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala could be called to testify on accused killer Markeith Loyd's behalf if he's convicted on one or both of the first-degree murder charges he's facing, according to court documents. Loyd's attorney, Terry Lenamon, filed a motion Thursday notifying the court that he intends to call Ayala as a witness if Loyd's trial enters the penalty phase, which would be when the jury would decide if Loyd would be sentenced to death or life in prison. Ayala's office was originally slated to prosecute Loyd's case, but Gov. In a separate motion also filed Thursday, Lenamon asked that the death penalty not be considered at all in Loyd's case because it is disproportionately applied to black defendants. Loyd's next court date is scheduled for Tuesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The judge presiding over the homicide trials of Markeith Loyd said he would likely be setting new, later trial deadlines that will give Loyd's defense more time. The trial for Dixon's homicide is scheduled for September, while the trial for Clayton's homicide is scheduled for January 2019. At a hearing last week, defense attorney Terence Lenamon said the state is trying to expedite the trial because Gov. Lenamon said King has told him the judge was the one who set the trial schedule, not King himself. The March 19 deadline has nothing to do with my intent or my attempt to push this case to trial, King said.

READ: State Attorney Ayala's letter to State Attorney KingGov. "After reviewing several Executive Orders, it is clear that 22 executive assignments to you have expired," she wrote. "The ramifications of expired Executive Orders could question your jurisdiction." News 6 investigated and found out those expired executive orders include the murder case of Markeith Loyd, which expired on March 16. She and her husband called King's office and the governor's office Wednesday afternoon, and they got results within hours.

READ: State Attorney Ayala's letter to State Attorney KingGov. "After reviewing several Executive Orders, it is clear that 22 executive assignments to you have expired," she wrote. "The ramifications of expired Executive Orders could question your jurisdiction." News 6 investigated and found out those expired executive orders include the murder case of Markeith Loyd, which expired on March 16. She and her husband called King's office and the governor's office Wednesday afternoon, and they got results within hours.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The mother of homicide victim Sade Dixon spoke out Friday in support of State Attorney Aramis Ayala's decision to not seek the death penalty for her daughter's accused killer or anyone else. Rick Scott expressed outrage for Ayala's decision to not pursue capitol punishment for Markeith Loyd. Jaeger Lane, who now lives in Florida, said she was "extremely proud of Ayala's decision." I offered to have a full conversation with him regarding my decision about death penalty. Law enforcement leaders were quick to condemn Ayala decision, including Orlando police Chief John Mina, whose officer was shot and killed on Jan. 9.

Rick Scott expressed outrage for Ayala's decision to not pursue capitol punishment for Markeith Loyd. Jaeger Lane, who now lives in Florida, said she was "extremely proud of Ayala's decision." Marietta Jaeger Lane, whose 7-year-old daughter was murdered, speaks out in support of State Attorney Aramis Ayala's decision to not pursue the death penalty. I offered to have a full conversation with him regarding my decision about death penalty. Law enforcement leaders were quick to condemn Ayala decision, including Orlando police Chief John Mina, whose officer was shot and killed on Jan. 9.

Markeith Loyd after his arrest in January and in an updated mugshot taken March 1. ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Double murder suspect Markeith Loyd has filed a new legal motion in Orange County. Loyd filed the handwritten paperwork Wednesday asking prosecutors to share all the evidence they have against him. Rick Scott removed State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the case after she said she would not seek the death penalty in Loyd's case or any others. Loyd, who is acting as his own attorney, is due back in court next week.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A prosecutor who was given a case involving a police officer's murder by Florida's governor after the original prosecutor said her office would no longer seek the death penalty says the original prosecutor has no authority to ask for the case back. Rick Scott gave the case against Markeith Loyd to State Attorney Brad King after State Attorney Aramis Ayala said she would no longer seek the death penalty. King filed a motion Wednesday seeking the dismissal of Ayala's request for a judge to hear arguments about why she shouldn't have had the case taken from her. Loyd is charged with first-degree murder in the killings of his ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon and Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

ORLANDO, Fla. - State Attorney Aramis Ayala said Thursday that she will not seek the death penalty for accused murder Marketih Loyd or for any first-degree murder cases during her time in office. Rick Scott signed a bill requiring a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. "I have spoken with the State Attorney (Aramis Ayala) and I'm extremely upset that she will not be seeking the death penalty for triple murderer Markeith Loyd," Mina said in a letter posted on Twitter. "I have seen the video of Markeith Loyd executing Lt. Debra Clayton while she lay defenseless on the ground. [VOTE BELOW: Should state pursue death penalty against Loyd?]

ORLANDO, Fla. - News 6 spoke to State Attorney Brad King who was appointed Thursday as the special prosecutor in the Markeith Loyd case after Gov. When she refused, Scott removed her from the case and assigned it to Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brad King in an executive order issued Thursday afternoon. He said he would not comment on Ayalas decision to not seek the death penalty, but that he plans to seek justice for the victims. King did not say he would be pursing the death penalty in the Loyd case, but explained his process in the decision. Legal questions about Florida's death penalty law during the past year brought executions to a halt.

Orange County Circuit Chief Judge Fredrick J. Lauten denied a motion filed by Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who was removed from the case by Gov. Rick Scott after she said she would not seek the death penalty against Loyd -- or in any case. King said the only fact in the matter is Scott's executive order removing Ayala from the case. King told Lauten that he will decide this week whether the state is seeking the death penalty against Loyd. Loyd has a trial date of May 1 in the Dixon case and June 19 in the Clayton case.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Accused murderer Markeith Loyd returned to court on Monday for a status hearing. Lauten asked Loyd how he was doing and Loyd told the judge that he has not received proper medical treatment. This is a time sensitive case and Ms. Ayala would like to see the successful prosecution of Markeith Loyd," Ayala said in a statement. The governor showed extreme prejudice by not talking to Ayala, Loyd said. [SEE INTERACTIVE BELOW: Timeline in Markeith Loyd case]Loyd has a trial date of May 1 in the Dixon case and June 19 in the Clayton case.

Rick Scott has reassigned the Markeith Loyd case after State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced Thursday morning that she will not be seeking the death penalty. "I have since learned he issued an Order removing my office from any cases related to Markeith Loyd." I've seen everything that she has in front of her, so I truly believe that this is a case, if any case that needs to be a death penalty case. May other state attorneys in Florida follow State Attorney Ayalas example and no longer seek the death penalty." Rep. Bob CortesI am outraged by the decision of State Attorney Aramis Ayala not to seek the death penalty in the case of Markeith Loyd.

“I will not be seeking the death penalty in the cases handled in my office,” Ayala said. Ayala referred a bill passed Tuesday that will require a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. "At the time that I was campaigning, (the) death penalty was in that flux created that brought us to this position," she said. She said that while she has personal beliefs about the death penalty, she put them aside and analyzed whether the evidence supported her decision. Harris did not seek the death penalty for the suspect receiving mass protests from law enforcement and politicians.

I will not be seeking the death penalty in the cases handled in my office, Ayala said. Ayala referred a bill passed Tuesday that will require a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. "At the time that I was campaigning, (the) death penalty was in that flux created that brought us to this position," she said. She said that while she has personal beliefs about the death penalty, she put them aside and analyzed whether the evidence supported her decision. Harris did not seek the death penalty for the suspect receiving mass protests from law enforcement and politicians.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The State Attorney's Office announced Wednesday that a grand jury has indicted murder suspect Markeith Loyd on several charges related to the deaths of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton. A grand jury indictment is required in first-degree murder cases, she said. Loyd is also facing charges of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm, attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carjacking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with Clayton's death. Assistant State Attorney Michelle Latham, who is spearheading that unit, along with Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams, will be handling the prosecution of charges related to Dixon's death. Assistant State Attorney Deborah Barra and Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Harold Bennett will be handling the prosecution of charges related to Clayton's death.

Aramis Ayala's second in command talks Orange-Osceola County State Attorney raceWhile the 2020 presidential election takes up a lot attention, there are some local races in Central Florida that are being closely watched. One of them is the State Attorney in Florida's 9th Judicial Circuit in Orlando. Deborah Barra spoke with News 6 anchor Justin Warmoth on why she's looking to replace departing State Attorney, Aramis Ayala. Barra, who is Ayala's chief assistant state attorney, said having a relationship with the community is the key to winning the race and succeeding on the job. A grandmother of one of the arrested students spoke with News 6 about the incident and the Orlando Police Department's response.

ORLANDO, Fla. - State Attorney Aramis Ayala says two 6-year-old children who were arrested at an Orlando school will not be prosecuted and officials will do everything possible to remove the arrests from their records. I also want you to know that when it comes to little elementary-aged children, we will not negotiate justice, ever. Both children, a 6-year-old boy and 6-year-old Kaia Rolle, were facing misdemeanor battery charges. They were both cuffed by Officer Dennis Turner, who did not receive necessary permission before taking the children into custody, according to Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon. "On behalf of myself and the entire Orlando Police Department, I apologize to the children involved and their families.

(Reuters) - An Orlando, Florida, police officer was fired on Monday after arresting two 6-year-olds last week for separate disciplinary incidents at their school, the citys police chief said. It was clear today when I came into work that basically there was no other remedy but to terminate this officer, Police Chief Orlando Roln told a news conference. Dennis Turner arrested the children on Thursday while working as a resource officer at a charter school in Orlando, charging them both with misdemeanor battery, Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala told a separate news conference. Roln said he had authority to terminate Turner even before the investigation had concluded into the two arrests because Turner served as a reserve officer. Ayala said Florida led the country in arrests of children aged 5 to 10 when she took office in 2017 but that those arrests had declined in the state since then.

(Reuters) - A Florida police officer has been suspended and is being investigated after arresting two 6-year-olds for separate disciplinary incidents at their school, police and a prosecutor said on Monday. Dennis Turner arrested the children on Thursday while working as a resource officer at a charter school in Orlando, charging them both with misdemeanor battery, Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala told a news conference. Ayala said Orlando Police Chief Orlando Roln told her he did not intend to prosecute the children and had asked for the charges to be dropped. The grandmother of the 6-year-old girl told Orlando television station WKMG she was outraged when she heard her granddaughter had been arrested. The girl was arrested after she kicked a staff member who grabbed her wrists to try to calm her, Kirkland said.

State Attorney Aramis Ayala says two 6-year-old children who were arrested at an Orlando school will not be prosecuted and officials will do everything possible to remove the arrests from their... Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

"When it comes to little elementary-aged children we will not negotiate justice, ever. "I can assure you there will be no criminal prosecution for misdemeanor battery for these elementary children in my name or on my watch. She also noted that Orlando Police Chief Orlando Roln also requested the charges be dropped.The 6-year-old girl was arrested by a school resource officer last Thursday after allegedly kicking a teacher. WFTV initially reported the school resource officer who arrested the two young children, Dennis Turner, had been suspended by Orlando police while they investigate. "According to Orlando police, the school resource officer did not get a supervisor's approval before arresting the girl, which later prevented the Juvenile Assessment Center from completing the 6-year-old's processing.

Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesORLANDO, Fla. - A state attorney is asking Florida's governor to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate if the board that oversees Florida's busiest airport violated state law on open public meetings. State Attorney Aramis Ayala made the request to Gov. A spokeswoman for DeSantis says the governor's general counsel is reviewing the request involving the board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The local office of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement previously declined to open an investigation. This week, the board backed away from that plan.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A manslaughter charge against an Orlando officer who fatally shot a man at a shopping plaza on Colonial Drive last year has been dropped a little more than a week after his arrest. Records show Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala filed a notice Friday indicating that master police Officer Anthony Wongshue would not be prosecuted. Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolon said Wongshue will remain on a limited-duty status pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Orlando Police released a statement about the chargest being dropped:We have been informed that the State Attorneys Office has dropped the charges against Master Police Officer Anthony Wong Shue. Master Police Officer Wong Shue will remain on administrative duty pending the outcome of our internal investigation.

ORLANDO, Fla. - An Orange County grand jury indicted a 13-year-old on manslaughter, grand theft and burglary charges one month after the boy was accused of fatally shooting a 25-year-old man in Winter Garden. On Tuesday, the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office presented its findings to an Orange County grand jury and the jury indicted Bostic on one count of manslaughter with a weapon, grand theft of a firearm and burglary. "We see over and over again that our juvenile justice system and its corresponding laws are both inadequate and dysfunctional," Ayala said. "Today, a case was presented to grand jury and a young teenager was indicted. "It is my hope that the legislature has a very clear plan on how to make juvenile justice reform a top priority and the upcoming legislative session," Ayala said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A new level of scrutiny for recurring state witnesses aims to make sure testimony in Orange and Osceola counties is as truthful and reliable as possible. State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced the new Brady policy Thursday, which includes the creation of a Brady Committee to evaluate witness credibility. The committee will review information and determine whether a state witness should be cleared, placed on a Brady alert list or placed on a Brady exclusion list. If the person is placed on the exclusion list, they will not be permitted to testify as a state witness. With the announcement of the new policy, the State Attorney's Office is working to determine the best way to effectively manage state witness information with law enforcement agencies.

click to enlarge Industrial hemp farmingHemp looks like marijuana, smells like marijuana, and has THC, just like marijuana. But hemp is now legal, because it has such minimal amounts of that psychoactive ingredient the effects are moot.With the newly enacted legalization, Central Florida law enforcement agencies are re-training officers on how to deal with marijuana arrests. The similarities between the two mean theres an increased legal burden when prosecuting marijuana cases. Without a corresponding lab result, no ASA is authorized to prosecute these cases.Archer issued a memo in part stating laboratory testing will be required before filing any cannabis-related charges. Every department has a different approach.Over at Orlando Police Department, officers received a training bulletin on June 21 which outlines seven factors law enforcement must consider to determine legality.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - A new drug diversion policy for Orange and Osceola counties that will allow certain offenders to have minor charges dropped was unveiled Thursday. Drug offenses will be categorized into one of three levels. NEW: New drug diversion program will be a three tiered program. Aimed at getting drug offenders help, Alaya says. They will receive individualized rehabilitative services through drug court or through the pretrial diversion program.