DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A state Senate bill gaining momentum in Florida aims to increase the punishment for those convicted of manslaughter against a police officer.
Named the “Officer Jason Raynor Act,” SB 234 honors the Daytona Beach police officer who was killed in 2021.
Othal Wallace, the defendant in the case, faced first-degree murder charges but was ultimately convicted of manslaughter.
The bill passed its second committee stop in the Florida Senate on Wednesday.
Currently, manslaughter with a firearm carries a maximum sentence of 30 years. However, if the Officer Jason Raynor Act is passed, the same crime against a police officer would result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Raynor’s family sent News 6 a statement emphasizing their focus on the well-being of all first responders.
“Although the bill is referred to as the “Officer Jason Raynor Act” our family, along with The Jason Raynor Foundation, is focused on the wellbeing of all first responders. Making the penalties clearer and stronger, preventing the need for others to face the realities that our family does every day.
“We are asking for the support of all that have a say in the state of Florida; to contact their elected officials and tell them this bill is a necessity and supported by you. For all the US Citizens that do not live in Florida, we urge you to reach out to your elected officials, make them aware of this bill so they too can present legislation to adopt and institute laws protecting Law Enforcement Officers in your state.”
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach.
“If you kill a cop in the performance of their duties, whether you intended to or not, you should go to jail for the rest of your life. And it’s that simple. You can’t kill cops in the state of Florida,” he said.
In June 2021, Raynor, 26, approached Wallace to question him about a car similar to one that had been reported stolen. The encounter turned physical, and Wallace shot Raynor in the head before fleeing the scene.
Wallace claimed that he feared for his life, and after hours of deliberation, the jury convicted him of manslaughter, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence.
Wallace’s defense attorney, Terry Shoemaker, opposes the Raynor Act.
“They don’t describe what a lawful duty is because it doesn’t matter whether you’re acting lawful. All they say is your lawful capacity,” Shoemaker said, “It makes it illegal for a person to defend themselves if law enforcement is acting illegally against them.”
[RELATED: Read the full bill here]
An earlier version of the Officer Jason Raynor Act was introduced last year but failed in committee. The revised version, with new sponsors, would take effect on Oct. 1, if passed.