Orange County

Markeith Loyd sentencing for murder of Orlando officer begins Monday

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The sentencing hearing for convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd is set to begin Monday in Orange County.

The jury will back in the courtroom to decide Loyd’s fate, voting between life in prison or the death penalty. They must vote unanimously for a death sentence.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Loyd was found guilty of the killing of Orlando Officer Debra Clayton.

During the trial, Loyd testified that he shot Clayton in self-defense and that he did not intend to kill her.

Read: First officer to come into contact with Markeith Loyd night of arrest to take stand for prosecutors

Loyd’s attorneys have argued that he was insane when he shot Clayton.

Loyd was previously convicted of first-degree murder for killing his ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon and her unborn child.

The jury in that case recommended that he be sentenced to life in prison.

On Nov. 6, a judge pushed back sentencing for Loyd.

READ: Sentencing for convicted cop-killer Markeith Loyd delayed over use of force issues

Due to the penalty phase being pushed back, the judge addressed the jury, telling them that they will not be held in sequestration during the delay.

The judge made it clear that all jurors, both sitting and alternates, will not be discharged and remain under court rules.

Judge Marques told jurors that they are to have no contact with anyone from the case, including each other.

Marques also instructed jurors to not discuss the case with anyone, including spouses.

READ: Judge in Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial will stay on for penalty phase

She also told jurors not to read anything about the case and to stay away from watching local news coverage of the case.

After talking to jurors about potential conflicts, Marques scheduled sentencing for Monday.

WATCH: TIMELINE: Jury finds Markeith Loyd guilty of murdering Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton

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