Convicted killer Markeith Loyd’s attorney says supreme court’s order violates his rights

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Convicted killer Markeith Loyd’s attorney is asking an Orange County judge find that a supreme court order is a violation of his rights.

Loyd was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and her unborn child, but he still has to go to trial for the death of Orlando Police Lt. Deborah Clayton. That trial has been put on hold due to COVID-19.

Before they can move forward, Loyd’s attorney says he’s not ready to pick a jury until he is sure that he gets a diverse jury pool.

READ: Markeith Loyd’s attorney files motion to dismiss Lt. Debra Clayton murder trial

His attorney takes issue over the Florida supreme court’s ruling that in order to limit contact during COVID-19, each chief judge should tell the clerks of court to create a process that will enable the automatic excusal of someone who can’t meet the courts phase 2 or 3 screening requirements, is high risk or is taking care of kids because of COVID-19 disruptions.

The court also said anyone who has just gotten back to work or is financially struggling because of the pandemic can have a pass from jury summons for six months.

Loyd’s attorney wants the circuit court to rule that unconstitutional.

READ: Markeith Loyd trial postponed due to coronavirus

“The order will create a process that systematically and disproportionately excludes African Americans and other minorities, which would violate the defendant’s constitutional rights to a jury selected from a body reasonably representative of the community,” his attorney wrote.

Loyd has a hearing scheduled for later this month.

Video: Orlando police acted unprofessionally when arresting accused cop killer Markeith Loyd, defense says The defense team for accused cop killer Markeith Loyd says Orlando police acted unprofessionally when they arrested their client.

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