State Attorney's Office says they are seeking death penalty against Othal Wallace
Remembering Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young announced on Tuesday that Officer Jason Raynor died. He was shot in the head back in June while responding to a call of suspicious activity. The suspect, Othal Wallace, was arrested days later and remains behind bars.
LAKE MARY, Fla. - Video from the body cameras worn by Daytona Beach police officers on the evening of June 23 shows a chaotic scene as they responded to reports of an officer down.
Investigators said Officer Jason Raynor, 26, had been shot in the head moments earlier while checking for suspicious activity near an apartment complex on Kingston St.
"He's still talking, but it's in his head," said one officer, describing the wound Raynor received.
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Officers were scrambling to find the shooting suspect, Othal Wallace, 29.
"Suspect ran which way on the street?" you can hear an officer ask.
A manhunt for Wallace went nationwide, with Wallace eventually being tracked down in a treehouse near Atlanta, Georgia days later.
RELATED: Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor dies after June shooting
He was found on a compound used by a group described as a black nationalist militia, called the NFAC. Investigators said Wallace was dressed in body armor with flashbangs and guns. Leaders of that group deny that Wallace was an active member.
Wallace was extradited back to Volusia County after the shooting and has remained behind bars.
RELATED: Law enforcement, community leaders mourn Officer Jason Raynor's death
He previously pleaded not guilty to the Attempted First-Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer.
However, following the passing of Officer Raynor on Tuesday, a charging affidavit from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office shows that Wallace now faces a 'First Degree Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer' charge. This is a capital offense with enhancements and FOX 35 News legal analysts say that could lead to a death penalty case.
The State Attorney's Office then announced on Wednesday that they are seeking the death penalty against Wallace.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Jason Raynor, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and all our brothers and sisters in law enforcement," said State Attorney R.J. Larizza. "We will proceed with our solemn mission to hold Officer Jason Raynor’s murderer accountable."
He then added, "Justice equals accountability and justice demands the death penalty."
MORE NEWS: LISTEN: 'End of Watch' call for Daytona Beach Officer Jason Raynor
The Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young added that, "We fully support R.J. Larizza and his staff. We will do everything in our power to assist them in this pursuit of justice for the Raynor family, the men and women of the Daytona Beach Police Department and all law enforcement officers everywhere."
Wallace had his first appearance in court on Wednesday afternoon.
Othal Wallace appears before judge following upgraded murder charge
Othal Wallace appears before a judge as he now faces an upgraded murder charge following the passing of Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor. The State Attorney’s Office has already announced that they are pursuing the death penalty.
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