Gov. Scott: Florida Supreme Court Ruling is Victory for Crime Victims

Statement

Today, Governor Rick Scott made the following statement following the Florida Supreme Court's decision to uphold his use of executive authority to protect victims of crime.

Governor Scott said, "Today's ruling is a great victory for the many victims and families whose lives have been forever changed by ruthless, evil acts of crime. I absolutely disagreed with State Attorney Ayala's shortsighted decision to not fight for justice. That's why I've used my executive authority to reassign nearly 30 cases to State Attorney Brad King. These horrific cases include Markeith Loyd, an accused cop killer who murdered his pregnant ex-girlfriend and Orlando Police Department Lt. Debra Clayton; Everett Glenn Miller, another alleged cop killer who is accused of ambushing and murdering two Kissimmee Police Officers, Officer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. Sam Howard; and Callene Marcia Barton and Lakesha Chantell Lewis, who are accused of killing a helpless toddler.

"Crimes like these are pure evil and deserve the absolute full consideration of punishment -- something that State Attorney Ayala completely ruled out. She unilaterally decided to not stand on the side of victims and their families, which is completely sickening. In Florida, we hold criminals fully accountable for the crimes they commit -- especially those that attack our law enforcement community and innocent children."

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