LAKEPORT >> Jury deliberations are underway to decide the verdict in a case against a Nice man accused of murder.
Daniel Ray Loyd, 52, is charged with six felony counts, including murder, attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting Cindy Yvette Quiett in the abdomen and causing her death in Lucerne nearly four years ago . She was 48 years old.
He has acknowledged his shot led to her death, but has pleaded not guilty to his charges
Loyd was reportedly trying to rob a man who was with Quiett, Patrick Ryden, of cash and drugs at the time of the incident. He allegedly pointed a revolver at Ryden’s face. Ryden smacked the gun away, causing it to fire and kill Quiett.
Having started in April, the trial was expected to be finished by June 5, but the deliberations will continue on June 12. Loyd’s attorney, David Markham, requested the date because of medical appointments, as well as being retained for a felony case in Mendocino County.
Since his arrest, Loyd has been held at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility with a bail set at $5 million by Lake County Judge Andrew S. Blum.
Loyd claimed his Miranda rights were violated and that incriminating statements made to law enforcement officers should have been redacted, but multiple arguments discrediting the claim were submitted. First, the defendant initially made incriminating statements over the telephone when he was not in custody. In this case, Miranda did not apply, according to the court. Additionally, Loyd did not invoke his right to an attorney after being taken into custody.
Court documents report that many of the incriminating statements made by the defendant were spontaneous and were not the result of an interrogation. According to a transcript of the recording in question, Loyd said “I know I got [expletive deleted] up [expletive deleted] in my head to do what I did” to LCSO Detectives Steve Herdt and John Drewry.
Despite being told by Herdt to “take this time to collect your thoughts,” Loyd continued to discuss the incident.
“I’m so sorry, lady … I’ve killed an innocent lady over – oh my God,” the transcript continues.
Authorities obtained this information in on-the-record conversations. Loyd also allegedly said he approached Ryden with no intention of shooting him but planned to rob him.
Statements from Angel Dusty Spring were also recorded. Spring was with Loyd during the alleged robbery attempt and shooting, having told Quiett and Ryden to meet her on the corner of Sherwood Court and Country Club Drive in Lucerne so they could accompany her to Robinson Rancheria Casino in Upper Lake.
It was while walking to meet Spring that the shooting allegedly occurred.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
