Report shows fight between Markeith Loyd, officers happened days before his sentencing

Judge sentenced Loyd to death for murder of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – New details reveal what led to a fight involving convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd and corrections officers in the Orange County jail.

A new report released by the jail shows Loyd, 46, punched one of the officers several times late last month after asking why he wasn’t allowed out of his cell sooner. Several other officers were also hit during the struggle and have since recovered from injuries, officials said.

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During the struggle, a Taser and spray were deployed in attempt to get Loyd under control, the report shows. However, “due to the all the clothing” he was wearing, the Taser did not work well.

At one point, the report says while officers were trying to get Loyd on the ground, he was able to get onto his knees and “threw numerous punches.”

The fight happened days before Loyd was sentenced to death for the murder of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton.

Judge Leticia Marques made her final decision months after a jury recommended the death penalty for Loyd.

The jury deliberated for around five hours before reaching its verdict. Loyd was found guilty on five charges, including first-degree murder, in the shooting death of Clayton outside a Walmart in 2017 while he was on the run for killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December 2016.


About the Author:

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

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