Markeith Loyd trial involving slain officer will not include talk of murdered ex-girlfriend, judge rules

ORLANDO, Fla. — When accused cop murderer Markeith Loyd goes to trial for the death of an Orlando police lieutenant, there will be no talk of the pregnant ex-girlfriend he killed a month before, the judge said Monday.

The judge said the evidence pertaining to slain girlfriend Sade Dixon trial is too prejudicial, and will not be allowed during the guilt phase in the murder case of Lt. Deborah Clayton.

In October, the jury found Loyd guilty in all counts for the murder of Dixon and her unborn child after deliberating for less than six hours.

Prosecutors argued they needed to bring in evidence from the Dixon murder trial into the case involving Clayton. Prosecutors also argued that they needed crossover witnesses like crime-scene analysts to testify, and provide a full timeline of events to prove a motive for Clayton’s murder.

Prosecutors may still introduce that there was a warrant for Lloyd’s arrest, but can’t tell the jury for what. Prosecutors will instead have to rely on that information being enough to explain why Loyd wanted to get away from Clayton after she spotted him at a Walmart. The judge did say if the defense opens the door for it, she will reevaluate.

The judge said that a call made to dispatch by Clayton when Loyd was spotted in a Walmart means additional testimony is not necessary, but if the defense opens the door for it, she will reevaluate.

Prosecutors said the call only proves what Clayton knew about Loyd at the time.

The judge said both sides have until Tuesday to provide a list of expert witnesses. Loyd’s attorneys are still looking at an insanity defense, but have said testing is still being done and they likely won’t meet that deadline.

Another hearing is set for Friday.

Related: A timeline of the Markeith Loyd cases

See our previous coverage of the Markeith Loyd trial here.

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