ORLANDO, Fla. – The attorney of Zarghee Mayan, who is accused of helping murder suspect Markeith Loyd avoid capture, wants his client's bail lowered to less than $10,000, according to a motion filed Thursday night.
Mayan was arrested Tuesday, the day after Loyd is accused of fatally shooting Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, on a charge of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. He was denied bail during his first appearance on Wednesday.
In the motion, attorney Lyle Mazin writes that Mayan was forced at gunpoint to drive Loyd after the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, 24-year-old Sade Dixon. Mayan and Loyd were never friends, only colleagues, Mazin said.
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"They have never been to a movie together, never been to a bar together, never been to a sporting event together, nor have they ever socialized in any setting outside of work," the motion read. "Mr. Mayan had no intent to assist Mr. Loyd in evading capture or trial. Mr. Mayan's concern was for the safety of himself, his family, his employees and his customers."
Mazin writes that Mayan has cooperated with law enforcement since Dixon was murdered in December and he would continue to cooperate if released on bond.
The attorney does not believe Mayan's actions warrant an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder charge because Mayan wants Loyd arrested and never intended to help him, according to the motion.
Mayan has a hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, it's unclear if bail will be discussed during that hearing.
Loyd's niece, Lakensha Smith-Loyd, and his ex-girlfriend, Jameis Slaughter, are also accused of helping him. Smith-Loyd's bail was set at $750,000 and Slaughter's bail was set at $505,000.
All three suspects are in the Orange County Jail.
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