Mom of Jacksonville murder victim travels to Tallahassee to support state attorney removed from case

Darlene Farah, mother of 2013 Jacksonville murder victim Shelby, says her daughter’s trial changed her opinion on the death penalty.

"Nobody knows what it’s like unless they go through it themselves," Farah said. "It just ripped my family apart.”

She said that because of what her family went through, she’s joining busloads of Jacksonville protesters heading to Tallahasee in support of State Attorney Aramis Ayala.

In March, the Orlando prosecutor announced she would not seek the death penalty for accused killer Markeith Loyd.

Governor Rick Scott removed Ayala from Loyd’s case in response to her decision.

Protesters boarding the bus say Ayala’s removal transcends a single case.

“It’s not up to the government to make some of these decisions. They need to listen to the people,” protester Velma Rounsville said.

For Farah, the issue is personal.

“I don’t want to keep reliving that nightmare. It’s horrible on victim’s families," Farah said.

Cox Media Group