ORLANDO, Fla. — A jury on Wednesday recommended life in prison for Markeith Loyd for murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and their unborn child.
Loyd was convicted of first-degree murder last week.
Police said Loyd fatally shot Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton one month after fatally shooting Dixon to avoid capture. He is scheduled to face trial in Clayton's death next year.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina
Orange County Sheriff John Mina, who previously served as Orlando police chief, provided Channel 9 with the following statement:
"From the very beginning, I have believed that the brutal murders of Sade Dixon and her unborn child and Lt. Debra Clayton warranted the death penalty. I'm glad that a jury had a chance to hear this case and decide Markeith Loyd's fate. Nothing can erase the pain we all feel about these senseless murders. But today, there is some relief in knowing that he will never be free from prison."
Click here to watch Mina speak on the decision.
Orlando Police Department
Orlando police Lt. Wanda Miglio provided Channel 9 with the following statement on behalf of the agency:
"We thank the jurors for their civic service and respect the court process and the jury's decision."
Quiet in the newsroom as the #MarkeithLoyd sentence comes down. Death is off the table in this case. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/WH3JJjvboY
— Cierra Putman WFTV (@CPutman_WFTV) October 23, 2019
Well it’s over. Life without parole for #MarkeithLoyd. #WFTV
— Field Sutton (@EFieldSutton) October 23, 2019
#BREAKING: Jury recommends life in prison for #MarkeithLoyd in pregnant ex-girlfriend's slaying | LIVE updates on Ch. 9 and here: https://t.co/CcKFvwQ27I pic.twitter.com/CYTR5H0voH
— WFTV Channel 9 (@WFTV) October 23, 2019
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