This story was last updated on: 5:59 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2017.

Gov. Rick Scott is removing Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the Markeith Loyd case and assigning it to State Attorney Brad King.

State Attorney Brad King to take over Markeith Loyd case

Gov. Scott removed State Attorney Aramis Ayala

Ayala says her office will comply with the order

READ: Gov. Scott's executive order (.PDF)

PREVIOUS STORY: State attorney's death penalty decision angers police, governor



King is the state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida, which covers Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.

Scott announced Thursday that he would reassign the case because Ayala refused to recuse herself, and she refuses to pursue the death penalty against Markeith Loyd.

Here's the statement from Gov. Scott:

“Earlier today, I called on State Attorney Ayala to immediately recuse herself from this case. She informed me this afternoon that she refuses to do that. She has made it clear that she will not fight for justice and that is why I am using my executive authority to immediately reassign the case to State Attorney Brad King.

“Let’s remember, Markeith Loyd is accused of executing a brave law enforcement hero and murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon. Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Norman Lewis was also killed while actively searching for Markeith Loyd following these heinous murders. I am outraged and sickened by this loss of life and many families’ lives have been forever changed because of these senseless murders. These families deserve a state attorney who will aggressively prosecute Markeith Loyd to the fullest extent of the law and justice must be served.”

Ayala said earlier Thursday that she would not seek the death penalty in cases handled by her office because the death penalty system had created legal chaos in Florida. She also said implementing the death penalty costs more for taxpayers than a convict's life sentence.

Ayala also said if the system was "better" in Florida, she would reconsider the decision.

Ayala's decision infuriated local law enforcement and drew harsh rebukes from Florida's Attorney General Pam Bondi and members of the Florida House and Senate as well.

On Thursday morning Scott demanded that Ayala recuse herself from the case:

“I want to be very clear, Lt. Debra Clayton was executed while she was laying on the ground fighting for her life. She was killed by an evil murderer who did not think twice about senselessly ending her life. I completely disagree with State Attorney Ayala’s decision and comments and I am asking her to recuse herself immediately from this case. She has made it abundantly clear that she will not fight for justice for Lt. Debra Clayton and our law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day.”

The state attorney's office issued this statement from Ayala:

"At approximately 3:20pm today, I spoke to Governor Scott. I offered to have a full conversation with him regarding my decision about death penalty. He declined to explore [sic] my reasoning.

"I have since learned he issued an Order removing my office from any cases related to Markeith Loyd.

"Upon receipt of any lawful order, my office will follow that Order and fully cooperate to ensure the successful prosecution of Markeith Loyd."