Markeith Loyd to appear in court Tuesday

It will be another day in court for accused murderer Markeith Loyd on Tuesday.

The judge could make a decision about whether Loyd needs not only a full psychological evaluation, but an attorney.

The Public Defender’s office has already said it has a conflict and is out, and the Office of Criminal Conflict is up next to bat.

That office also said there could be an issue, which means the chief judge may appoint a private attorney as stand-by counsel.

“The best course of action is that you appoint a seasoned, stand-by counsel whether or not Markeith Loyd wants it or not,” said WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer.

But there are only a few who can take over the case.

The options for attorneys are all death-penalty certified, and are on a rotation.

In Loyd’s case, two attorneys could be appointed, and one will be a seasoned lawyer.

Legal analysts say there are a few likely on a shorter list.

“In a case like this, the court is going to err, they are going to err on the side of caution,” said Sheaffer.

Taxpayers will have to pay for one of the attorneys if it comes to that.

Cox Media Group