ORLANDO, Fla. — Accused killer Markeith Loyd is "competent to make the decision to waive counsel," a judge said Thursday.
"I would hope you would carefully consider allowing the court to appoint someone to represent you."- Judge Lauten to Loyd. #WFTV
— Karla Ray (@KRayWFTV) January 26, 2017
Loyd, 41, is accused of killing Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton on Jan. 9 and his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December.
Loyd faced Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten, who asked Loyd to keep his language clean.
“I and the other individuals in this courtroom; I intend to treat you with respect and dignity because you’re owed that as a human being. I don’t intend to be disrespectful to you Mr. Loyd. I’m not going to curse at you and I’m going to ask you not to curse at me, or others,” Lauten said. "I need some cooperation from you."
In Loyd's previous meetings with judges, he repeatedly cursed and went on rants.
On Thursday, however, Loyd sat quietly for the most part, but at times, refused to answer the judge’s questions.
Markeith loyd says he has had no phone call yet in jail. Claims pistol hit him in the eye and that he's losing his eye. #wftv
— Shannon Butler (@SButlerWFTV) January 26, 2017
Loyd seemed determined to represent himself, and proceeded to curse in the courtroom.
Lauten asked Loyd several questions about representing himself, but he did not answer.
“Mr. Loyd, do you intent to represent yourself or hire an attorney?” asked Lauten.
“I don’t know. Ever since I’ve been beaten, they haven’t let me talk to nobody. I haven’t talked to my family, haven’t got a phone call. I only took one shower. I haven’t did (expletive),” said Loyd.
In the end, Lauten decided that Loyd could make the decision to represent himself.
"You could be executed."- Judge Fred Lauten to Markeith Loyd, who has said he wants to represent himself. #WFTV
— Karla Ray (@KRayWFTV) January 26, 2017
Markeith loyd still says he doesn't want an attorney appointed to him but went on rant when asked if he would hire an attorney. #wftv
— Shannon Butler (@SButlerWFTV) January 26, 2017
Lauten also said he will allow Loyd to make a call to his family to determine whether he is able to or wants to hire an attorney.
Loyd’s family left the courtroom without saying a word, although Loyd did stop stop to smile at them as he was led out of the courtroom.
Markeith loyd now looking in interested in what judge is saying. Not answering judges question. #wftv
— Shannon Butler (@SButlerWFTV) January 26, 2017
Raw: Aerial video of Markeith Loyd's take down
“I’m here for what? Resisting arrest? Is that what happened to me? (Expletive) you, man, (expletive) you,” Loyd said.
Raw: Markeith Loyd leaves ORMC, heads to jail
Loyd said he will represent himself during proceedings, but Channel 9’s legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said the court might have to make adjustments if Loyd continues to have outbursts.
Read: Third profanity-laced court appearance by Loyd
“If they can't get him in under control, you bet they can design it where he is in a room, where he is watching the proceedings, where he can participate, but not in a position to be disruptive,” said Sheaffer.
You can watch Wednesday's court appearance below:
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