ORLANDO, Fla. — The jury in Markeith Loyd’s sentencing trial has reached a verdict.
Jurors resumed deliberations early Wednesday to try to decide if the convicted police officer killer should be sentenced to death. Deliberations began Tuesday.
Debra Clayton’s family and law enforcement colleagues reflect on the death penalty verdict today:
“I’m grateful that he’s going to spend 23 hours a day in a very small cell thinking about what he’s done,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina, who was the Orlando police chief when Clayton was killed, said.
“I’m glad this is over, it’s been a long time coming,” Clayton’s husband Seth Clayton said.
“I want to thank the jury that made it clear today that it is not okay to shoot a law enforcement officer,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said.
“It’s a sad day … no one wants a life to be taken, but my sister’s life was taken,” said Clayton’s sister, Anita Young. “He literally executed my sister. He didn’t have to do that and I am pleased with the outcome.”
“I felt her presence,” Clayton’s sister, Ashley Thomas, said. “I always miss her. She got justice today.”
The decision to recommend death for Loyd took the jury about five hours over the course of two days.
Loyd’s family had nothing to say to reporters about the sentence.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said he is glad he will never have to see Loyd again. He also thanked the jury for sending a message that it is not OK to kill police officers.
There likely will be a Spencer hearing, where more evidence will be presented. The decision is ultimately up to the judge.
11:30 a.m. update
Watch the moment the jury’s verdict was read below:
See the moment convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd learns a jury recommended he be sentenced to death The jury recommended that Markeith Loyd be sentenced to death for the murder of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton. (WFTV)
Markeith Loyd sentenced to death Markeith Loyd is led away by deputies after a judge orders him to be removed from court
Markeith Loyd sentenced to death Markeith Loyd is ordered from the courtroom following an outburst after a jury recommended he be sentenced to death
Markeith Loyd sentenced to death Markeith Loyd reacts as the jury returns a recomendation of death for the murder of Lt. Deborah Clayton in 2017 (WFTV)
11:25 a.m. update
Central Florida law enforcement officials took to social media on Wednesday to react to the news that a jury has recommended the death sentence for Markieth Loyd. Click here to read their reactions.
The jury has asked for the cross-examination testimony of Markeith Loyd’s daughter, Kianna, to be reread in court. That is happening now in the courtroom before deliberations will resume.
ORIGINAL STORY
Loyd has already been sentenced to life in prison for killing his ex- girlfriend Sade Dixon and her unborn child.
Markeith Loyd Prosecutors say there is no proof that Orlando police officers mistreated Markeith Loyd.
Markeith Loyd in first court appearance
Markeith Loyd
Markeith Loyd
Markeith Loyd (WFTV)
Markeith Loyd trial: Florida Supreme Court rejects arguments over evidence for slain Orlando officer Lt. Debra Clayton The circuit judge also blocked evidence related to the murder of Sade Dixon, documents show. (WFTV Staff)
Terence Lenamon Markeith Loyd’s attorney’s contract with the Judicial Administration Commission has been suspended over what the organization is calling excessive billing. (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd is removed from an Orlando courtroom Nov. 21, 2019 Cox Media Group 2019
Jury in Markeith Loyd trial to consider if killing unborn child warrants death penalty
Markeith Loyd trial involving slain officer will not include talk of murdered ex-girlfriend, judge rules Markeith Loyd appeared in court Wednesday for a hearing regarding his upcoming trial.
Markeith Loyd insanity plea Markeith Loyd’s attorney says he was insane when hekilled Orlando police Lt. Deborah Clayton in 2017. (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd Markeith Loyd’s attorney has only a few weeks left to tell the court if Loyd was insane the day he allegedly shot and killed an Orlando police lieutenant in 2017. (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd Markeith Loyd (WFTV Staff)
Markieth Loyd
Markeith Loyd in court Markeith Loyd appeared in court Wednesday for a hearing regarding his upcoming trial. (WFTV Staff/Cox Media Group)
Jury selection underway in accused cop killer Markeith Loyd's first murder trial (WFTV.com)
Markeith Loyd During a hearing on Monday, a judge set a tentative trial date for the man accused of killing an Orlando police lieutenant. (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd will no longer represent himself in murder trial of Orlando police officer
Markeith Loyd The sentencing trial for convicted police killer Markeith Loyd continued Wednesday. (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd trial (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd Tuesday marks day two in the penalty phase of the Markeith Loyd trial. (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd (WFTV Staff)
Judge in Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial will stay on for penalty phase
Markeith Loyd found guilty of killing Orlando officer Lt. Debra Clayton Markeith Loyd found guilty of killing Orlando officer Lt. Debra Clayton
Markeith Loyd (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd trial Testimony concluded Monday in the penalty phase of the Markeith Loyd murder trial. (WFTV Staff)
Markeith Loyd (WFTV Staff)
Jury returns Monday for penalty phase of convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd
Markeith Loyd sentenced to death (WFTV)
Markeith Loyd sentenced to death
Markeith Loyd sentenced to death
Markeith Loyd sentenced to death Markeith Loyd reacts as the jury returns a recomendation of death for the murder of Lt. Deborah Clayton in 2017 (WFTV)
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.
