Charges against 2 accused of helping Loyd dropped

Prosecutors have declined to file charges against Markeith Loyd’s former boss and ex-girlfriend, who were arrested during the manhunt for the alleged killer.

Zarghee Mayan and Jameis Slaughter were accused of helping Loyd after the Dec. 13 murder of Sade Dixon, Loyd’s pregnant exgirlfriend.

It’s unclear why prosecutors declined to file formal charges against them. In court documents filed Wednesday, Assistant State Attorney Kelly Barbara Hicks wrote that the cases are “not suitable for prosecution.”

Both were facing a felony charge of accessory after the fact and were released from the Orange County Jail in February on $20,000 bail. The cases will be closed.

Slaughter also is facing a misdemeanor charge of giving a false name to law enforcement. That case is still pending.

Investigators said Mayan was untruthful during interviews and accused him of knowingly aiding Loyd. They said detectives first met with Mayan, who was Loyd’s manager at New Texas Fried Chicken on Orange Blossom Trail, the day after Dixon’s death.

Mayan said Loyd came into the restaurant with a gun, telling him to “drive me or I will kill you,” arrest reports state. Loyd then directed Mayan to a house off Lee Road, where Loyd got out, according to the documents. Mayan gave investigators a general area of where the house was located, but said he couldn’t remember exactly where it was.

Investigators went back to speak with Mayan after Jan. 9, when Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton was gunned down outside a Wal-Mart store while trying to arrest Loyd.

This time, investigators said Mayan gave a different story about the night of Dec. 13 and added that Loyd came into the restaurant Jan. 7, two days before Clayton’s death, asking for food.

Prosecutors in February declined to file charges against Loyd’s niece Lakensha Smith-Loyd, who also was arrested during the manhunt. State attorney’s spokeswoman Eryka Washington said there wasn’t enough evidence to prove a case against Smith-Loyd, who was accused of picking up Loyd’s last paycheck from Mayan.

Slaughter was accused of giving investigators conflicting stories about whether or not she saw Loyd after Dixon’s death. Deputies said she also gave them her twin sister’s name when they questioned her.