Markeith Loyd's attorney asks court for co-counsel Thursday

ORLANDO, Fla. — Homicide suspect Markeith Loyd appeared in court Thursday afternoon for a status hearing and didn't say a word to Orange County Chief Judge Frederick Lauten.

In the past, Loyd has been very vocal with the judge and has argued with him.

Loyd is accused of fatally shooting his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in January.

Police arrested Loyd in January after a nine-day manhunt.

Roger Weeden, Loyd's attorney, has asked the court to allow Orlando attorney Teodoro Marrero serve as co-counsel in the case, court records show.

In the filing, Weeden said, "Lead counsel is the best position to analyze the demands and complexity of a particular capital case and determine whom among the available qualified co-counsel are most qualified and best suited for the particular case. Also, because of the difficulties and demands of a particular case, the relationship between lead and co-counsel is of great importance."

The judge granted that motion.

Loyd's trial in Dixon's case is scheduled to begin Sept. 11, 2018.

"The judge is doing a great making sure he dots his I's and crosses his T's to make sure everything is perfect," said Stephanie Dixon-Daniel's, Sade's mother.

A trial date hasn't been set in Clayton's case.

If convicted, Loyd faces the death penalty.

Channel 9's Cuthbert Langley tweeted extensively about the court hearing, follow him here.

Cox Media Group