ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Markeith Loyd took the witness stand on Saturday in the murder trial of Lt. Debra Clayton.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Loyd in the fatal shooting of Lt. Debra Clayton in 2017. At the time, Loyd was on the run for killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon.
3:47 p.m. update:
Dr. Jethro Toomer was dismissed from the court at around 3:44 p.m. and the jury was also dismissed for the day. The judge said the trial is on schedule and set to resume on Monday at 9:30 a.m.
3:40 p.m. update:
The defense started its redirect of Dr. Jethro Toomer at around 3:39 p.m.
3:15 p.m. update:
Prosecutors continued to question Dr. Jethro Toomer’s process for diagnosing the alleged mental illness in Markeith Loyd.
2:52 p.m. update:
Prosecutors started their cross-examination of Dr. Jethro Toomer at around 2:50 p.m.
2:46 p.m. update:
Dr. Jethro Toomer said after speaking with Markeith Loyd and looking at other facts about the case, he believes Markeith Loyd suffers from several issues including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis and brain damage.
2:20 p.m. update:
Dr. Jethro Toomer spoke with Markeith Loyd before the trial and believe trauma in his past affected his development and created the damage that led to his mental issues.
2:05 p.m. update:
Dr. Jethro Toomer shared his knowledge of the study of mental illness and how it can be impacted by culture. He also detailed tests and evaluations he gave Markeith Loyd before the trial.
Dr. Jethro Toomer said he also looked over social media posts made by Markeith Loyd and how things Markeith Loyd has posted in the past may be related to a form of schizophrenia.
1:46 p.m. update:
After another brief court recess, the trial resumed at around 1:45 p.m. The defense called clinical psychologist Dr. Jethro Toomer to testify in court.
12:55 p.m. update:
Judge orders lunch break in Markeith Loyd’s murder trial.
12:20 p.m. update:
Prosecutors grill Loyd about carrying a handgun into Walmart the morning of the shooting of Lt. Clayton. Loyd testifies he concealed his handgun before he entered the Walmart.
11:40 a.m. update:
Defense rests its questioning of Markeith Loyd. Prosecutors are now cross examining Loyd.
11:25 a.m. update:
Judge states that another witness will be called to the stand on Saturday.
10:50 a.m. update:
Judge declares recess.
10:30 a.m. update:
Loyd calls the shootout with Lt. Clayton “a gun battle.”
10:25 a.m. update:
Defense attorney asks Loyd to draw out where he ran to during shootout with Lt. Debra Clayton after leaving the Walmart. Loyd testifies that he was running away from the officer.
10:15 a.m. update:
Loyd testifies that he went to the Walmart on Princeton to use the bathroom and get some food.
10:10 a.m. update:
Loyd testifies about living in the woods with a bum and being on the run.
9:50 a.m. update
Loyd tells jurors his account of what happened in the killing of pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon. Loyd claims the press lied in its reporting of the story.
9:20 a.m. update:
Markeith Loyd discusses how he sold drugs when he was growing up.
9:08 a.m. update:
Loyd talks about racism and said he is not afraid of police.
9:03 a.m. update:
Loyd talks about his childhood and family.
8:58 a.m. update:
Markeith Loyd get sworn in to testify.
Previous Story:
The jury in Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial heard testimony from defense witnesses Friday morning. Prosecutors wrapped up their case Thursday.
>>> STREAM THE TRIAL LIVE <<<
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Loyd in the fatal shooting of Lt. Debra Clayton in 2017. At the time, Loyd was on the run for killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon.
READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?
He was sentenced to life in prison for Dixon’s murder.
Markeith Loyd says he plans to testify in the trial. Loyd is set to testify on Saturday.
READ: ‘I think he’s a murderer’: Sheriff John Mina weighs in on Markeith Loyd’s murder trial
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