This story was last posted on: 11:22 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2017.
On Friday, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala's supporters and critics came out to voice their opinions regarding her decision to not seek the death penalty in any of her cases.
- Supporters, critics of State Attorney Ayala in Orlando Friday
- Mother of Sade Dixon says she supports Ayala's decision
- Father of Alex Zaldivar doesn't want Ayala handling his case
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There was harsh criticism after Ayala made the announcement Thursday morning, but on Friday her supporters made their voices heard.
The ACLU and several other faith leaders rallied in support of the State Attorney. Nearly a dozen people were invited to speak on behalf of this issue.
They outlined several claims as to why they are opposed to the process. Many of their points were brought up by Ayala.
Stephanie Daniels, mother of Sade Dixon, met with State Attorney Ayala Thursday.
Daniels now supports a life in prison without parole sentence for her daughter's accused killer, Markeith Loyd.
"Once she explained this to me, I would love for him to die right now but that's not going to happen. So seeking the death penalty is not an option," said Daniels.
"Either way it goes, he will die in prison," Daniels continued.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Loyd shot and killed Dixon, who was pregnant, in December 2016.
Daniels and her family want justice but they also want closure.
"Closure doesn't mean to be dragged in and out of court of appeals and everything else," Daniels said.
"I don't want to have to keep remembering the death of my daughter each and every time," Daniels added.
- WEB EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Lindsey Herman spent three years on death row before his 2009 conviction was overturned. He shares his thoughts on the death penalty with reporter John W. Davis.
Studies show Florida's death penalty process ends up costing more money than life in prison.
“It’s close to my heart because as a man of God, I don’t believe we have a right to take a life and personally I had to endure this with my whole family. My nephew was killed and I argued against the will of my family. I argued that young man who shot and killed my nephew should not be put to death either,” said Pastor James Morris.
But for Rafael Zaldivar, it was not Ayala's call to decide against seeking the death penalty, for Loyd or any other murder suspect.
"It is the courts that need to decide that. Twelve people out there need to decide the fate of these guys," Zaldivar said.
Zaldivar's son Alex was killed by Bessman Okafor during a home invasion back in 2012. Prosecutors said Okafor broke into a home and shot Zaldivar and his two roommates in the head to stop them from testifying against him in court in a previous home invasion in May 2012. Zaldivar died instantly.
Okafor received a death sentence, but since his case is on appeal, Zaldivar's father wants Gov. Scott to step in again and replace Ayala from handling the appeal.
"I have no confidence in her. That's why I'm asking for a special prosecutor to handle my son's case. I don't want her touching my son's case," Zaldivar explained.
Meanwhile, Loyd will make his next court appearance on Monday, March 20.