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Accused cop killer Markeith Loyd won’t stand trial this year

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Markeith Loyd won’t stand trial this year in connection with the shooting death of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Judge Leticia Marques told attorneys Tuesday morning during a hearing not to expect a new trial date until next year. It’s unknown at this time when Loyd will stand trial, which was originally scheduled to happen in May before COVID-19 closed down courts. “I can safely tell you gentlemen that you will not be in trial on this case before spring of next year. If convicted of killing Clayton, Loyd could face the death penalty.

Markeith Loyds letter to News 6 could be evidence at trial

ORLANDO, Fla. A letter Markeith Loyd recently wrote to News 6 could be used as evidence during his upcoming trial for the murder of an Orlando police officer, newly filed court records indicate. News 6 did not provide Loyds letter to the state attorneys office, but a downloadable copy of his correspondence was posted on ClickOrlando.com at the time of the storys publication. [WARNING: The letter below contains graphic language]The court filing does not indicate how prosecutors might use the letter if it is formally admitted as evidence during Loyds trial. If convicted of murdering the police officer, Loyd could potentially face the death penalty. Loyds trial for Claytons murder was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and has not been re-scheduled.

Accused cop killer Markeith Loyd says in letter to News 6 he ‘meets violence with violence’

“This evil [expletive] system created the Walmart incident with Clayton,” Loyd wrote in his letter to News 6. “I knew I was being set up to be killed,” Loyd wrote. “The defense has an ‘expert’ who will testify about some ‘variance in the frame rate’ of the Walmart video. In his letter, Loyd claims Orlando police “tortured me and took my eye” when he was taken into custody for Clayton’s murder. “If black lives matter, where they at?” Loyd wrote as he concluded his letter to News 6.

Hearing to be held in case against convicted killer Markeith Loyd

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The case against convicted killer Markeith Loyd will go before a judge Monday in Orange County. Loyd is currently awaiting trial in the slaying of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton. The trial was scheduled to begin in May but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Loyds attorney is expected to hold a conference call with prosecutors and the judge to discuss a motion involving legal fees. Loyd is serving a life sentence for murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in 2016.

Orlando officers acted ‘reasonably’ when they beat accused cop killer Markeith Loyd, report says

ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando Police Department internal review found that four officers acted “reasonably” when they delivered blow after blow while arresting accused cop killer Markeith Loyd on Jan. 17, 2017. All four officers who kicked, punched or otherwise struck Loyd expressed similar fear, saying they knew Loyd was accused of killing Orlando Police Sgt. [RELATED: Accused murderer Markeith Loyd says he was framed in courtroom outburst | Documents show Loyd was ‘calm’ after fatal gun battle with OPD officer]Loyd was not interviewed as part of the investigation. [READ: Sade Dixon accused Markeith Loyd of abuse before her death, family says | Fallen Orlando police Master Sgt. [RELATED: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded | Markeith Loyd walks out of Walmart; seconds later, gun battle erupts, video shows]All four officers interviewed stood by their actions.

Markeith Loyd files motion to have prosecutor removed

ORLANDO, Fla. Attorneys for convicted killer Markeith Loyd have filed a motion in court asking for the removal of prosecutor Ryan Williams from his second murder trial. Loyd is accused of killing Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in 2017, while investigators were looking for him in connection with the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon. The motion was filed Monday and cites a conflict of interest between Williams and State Attorney Brad King. Loyd was convicted last year for the murder of Dixon. Loyds trial in the Clayton case was scheduled to begin in May but was postponed.

Markeith Loyd murder trial postponed due to coronavirus

ORLANDO, Fla. – Convicted killer Markeith Loyd’s murder trial in the shooting death of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a judge order issued Monday. Judge Leticia J. Marques canceled the pre-trial and jury trial, which were scheduled for March 30 and May 1, respectively. “Once the limited trial court proceedings ban has been lifted and court may be rescheduled, an order resetting pre-trial and jury trial will be issued," Marques said. [RELATED: Timeline: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded | Markeith Loyd found guilty of killing pregnant ex-girlfriend]Loyd was convicted last year of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon. Loyd’s attorneys have said that they plan to argue Loyd was insane when she shot Clayton.

Hearing set for accused cop killer Markeith Loyd

ORLANDO, Fla. – Convicted killer Markeith Loyd is expected back in court Tuesday for a hearing ahead of his upcoming second murder trial. Last year, a jury convicted Loyd of murder in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon. Loyd is awaiting trial in the slaying of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton. The state and defense have filed a series of motions over the past few week, including a brand new request from Loyd’s attorneys, who want to depose and Orlando police lieutenant about the treatment Loyd received following his arrest in Clayton’s death. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Defense says interrogation video shows Orlando police mistreated Markeith Loyd after arrest

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Convicted killer Markeith Loyd appeared in court Friday afternoon as a judge ruled on multiple recently filed motions, including one pertaining to a planned insanity defense. Loyd was convicted last year of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, he is awaiting trial for his second murder charge. When state experts examine Loyd, the defense will be able to video record that meeting, but despite protests from Loyd’s attorney Terry Lenamon, the defense will have to provide a copy of that video to the state. Loyd was convicted of first-degree for killing Dixon in October 2019. According to Lenamon, the video shows Loyd moaning in pain and asking for medical attention but instead of helping him, officers mocked and laughed at him.

Markeith Loyd attorneys allowed extra 2 weeks to prepare for Debra Clayton murder trial

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Attorneys for convicted murderer Markeith Loyd were back in an Orange County courtroom Friday. The judge allowed the defense to have an extra two weeks to continue their exploration of witnesses. If found guilty in his next trial, Loyd could face the death penalty. [READ: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded | ‘He was aiming for my heart’: Victim’s brother testifies in Markeith Loyd murder trial]Loyd’s attorney, Terry Lenamon, said that he could possibly use an insanity defense in the upcoming trial. After the hearing, Lenamon said he should know whether they’ll be pursuing the insanity defense by the next status hearing.

Markeith Loyd’s attorney says notice of insanity defense could be coming

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Markeith Loyd appeared in court Wednesday afternoon during a hearing pertaining to deadlines and witnesses that will be presented during his upcoming trial. The hearing began at 1:30 p.m.Loyd’s attorney, Terry Lenamon, said Wednesday that he could possibly use an insanity defense in the upcoming trial. He has until March 2 to file that notice or notify the state of any other possible mental health defense. Loyd’s trial in connection with the death of Orlando police Sgt. If convicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with Clayton’s death, Loyd could face the death penalty.

Judge keeps death penalty option available in Markeith Loyd cases

ORLANDO, Fla. – A judge on Tuesday declined a motion by Markeith Loyd's defense to remove the death penalty from his murder cases. Loyd faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, both of whom were shot to death. Loyd’s attorneys had argued that the decision should have been decided by State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who announced after Clayton's death that she would not seek the death penalty against Loyd -- or anyone. [Timeline: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded]Gov. Ayala later implemented a panel in her office to determine whether the death penalty should be used in murder cases in her jurisdiction.

Executive order on Markeith Loyd murder case expires

READ: State Attorney Ayala's letter to State Attorney KingGov. "After reviewing several Executive Orders, it is clear that 22 executive assignments to you have expired," she wrote. "The ramifications of expired Executive Orders could question your jurisdiction." News 6 investigated and found out those expired executive orders include the murder case of Markeith Loyd, which expired on March 16. She and her husband called King's office and the governor's office Wednesday afternoon, and they got results within hours.

Sade Dixon's mother says she stands with State Attorney's decision: 'He will die in jail'

ORLANDO, Fla. – The mother of homicide victim Sade Dixon spoke out Friday in support of State Attorney Aramis Ayala's decision to not seek the death penalty for her daughter's accused killer or anyone else. Rick Scott expressed outrage for Ayala's decision to not pursue capitol punishment for Markeith Loyd. Jaeger Lane, who now lives in Florida, said she was "extremely proud of Ayala's decision." I offered to have a full conversation with him regarding my decision about death penalty. Law enforcement leaders were quick to condemn Ayala decision, including Orlando police Chief John Mina, whose officer was shot and killed on Jan. 9.

Markeith Loyd asks Miami capital punishment lawyer to represent him

ORLANDO, Fla. – Accused police killer Markeith Loyd said Monday during a hearing that he is ready for a state-appointed lawyer, specifically a Miami-based lawyer known for keeping his clients off Florida’s Death Row. Loyd told Orange County Chief Judge Fredrick J. Lauten that he was willing to take on counsel, but only Miami lawyer Terry Lenamon. Lenamon, a managing partner at a small criminal defense firm, is one of Florida’s highest-paid capital litigation lawyers, earning $5 million since 2000 on capital cases, the Miami Herald reported. Rick Scott appointed King as special prosecutor on the Loyd case after the governor removed Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Aramis Ayala. The Miami lawyer also founded the Florida Capital Resource Center, dedicated to providing resources for lawyers defending death-penalty cases.

Accused killer Markeith Loyd seeks attorney in murder cases

Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten scheduled a hearing for April 12 to determine if he will allow Terence Lenamon to represent Loyd. After being brought on early in Anthony's case, he left when the state announced that it would not seek the death penalty. [RELATED: Who is the Miami lawyer Markeith Loyd wants as his defense?] Rick Scott removed Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who said she would not pursue the death penalty against Loyd or in any case. King has not officially said if he will seek the death penalty against Loyd.

Markeith Loyd could face death penalty, legal experts say

Clayton was attempting to contact Loyd at the John Young Parkway store because he was wanted on a warrant for the Dec. 13 shooting death of his former pregnant girlfriend. Loyd will likely have a first appearance in Orange County this week where his bail will definitely be denied, News 6 legal expert Steven Kramer said. Loyd will be booked into the Orange County Jail after he is determined healthy enough to leave the hospital. Loyd will be tried at the downtown Orange County Courthouse. Both Orlando and Orange County are in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.

State attorney won't seek death penalty for any cases

“I will not be seeking the death penalty in the cases handled in my office,” Ayala said. Ayala referred a bill passed Tuesday that will require a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. "At the time that I was campaigning, (the) death penalty was in that flux created that brought us to this position," she said. She said that while she has personal beliefs about the death penalty, she put them aside and analyzed whether the evidence supported her decision. Harris did not seek the death penalty for the suspect receiving mass protests from law enforcement and politicians.

Police investigating use of force in Markeith Loyd arrest

When Loyd reaches the law enforcement officers about two minutes later, one of the officers appears to kick Loyd while he's lying flat on his stomach. Mina said Loyd did not comply with the officer's demand to put his hands behind his back and that's why force was used. Graphic content: Watch unedited video of Loyd's first court appearanceAt the time of Loyd's arrest, Mina described Loyd's injuries as minor. He's also charged with first degree murder, unlawful killing of an unborn child, attempted first degree murder, and two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm in connection with Dixon's death. Debra ClaytonWitness describes moments after OPD officer was fatally shotShooter in pregnant woman's death has extensive criminal historyPhotos: Orlando officer slain, Orange County deputy dies, manhunt

Police chief urges Markeith Loyd to 'be a man' and turn himself in

ORLANDO, Fla. – With the search for Markeith Loyd on its fourth day, Orlando police Chief John Mina urged the murder suspect to "be a man" and turn himself in during a news conference Thursday afternoon. Officials said that during their investigation they found the shirt and pants Loyd had been wearing during the fatal shooting of Orlando police Master Sgt. During that shooting, Mina said Loyd had likely been wearing a bulletproof vest, which is why he was uninjured despite the fact that Clayton shot him. While he stressed the importance of community involvement, he added that civilians shouldn't take matters into their own hands or try to catch the murder suspect themselves. “Be a man and turn yourself in,” Mina said to Loyd.

Markeith Loyd's trial date set for ex-girlfriend's slaying

ORLANDO, Fla. – A trial date has been set for the first murder trial of Markeith Loyd, who is charged with murder in two slayings. During a status hearing Wednesday, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten said Loyd's trial will begin May 6. https://t.co/jhRmFRo3a6 pic.twitter.com/B7NXYPkRZH — Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) October 3, 2018Judge grants defense’s motion to subpoena Sade Dixon’s Facebook records. — Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) October 3, 2018The defense is also asking for transcripts of certain witnesses from the Grand Jury proceedings, which are sealed. — Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) October 3, 2018Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.