Markeith Loyd's trial date set for ex-girlfriend's slaying

ORLANDO, Fla. – A trial date has been set for the first murder trial of Markeith Loyd, who is charged with murder in two slayings.

During a status hearing Wednesday, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten said Loyd's trial will begin May 6.

Earlier in the hearing, several motions were discussed.

The defense attorneys first told the judge about their intention to possibly call experts to testify about a perceived racial bias surrounding the death penalty.  A ruling on the motion was put on hold as Loyd's attorneys said they're exploring the possible testimony.

Later in the hearing, the defense was granted an order to subpoena the Facebook records of Loyd's ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon.

As the conversation turned to trial scheduling, the defense raised concerns about the state withholding information about a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation into the police takedown of Loyd.

"It's a relevant issue in this particular case that portrays my client as someone who is resisting as opposed to someone who is willing to give up," defense attorney Terence Lenamon said.

The defense said it is seeking statements from each of the officers involved in the arrest, while the state said it is not hiding any information and wants to move forward with the trial.

"I've disclosed it to (Lenamon)," Assistant State Attorney Rick Ridgway said.  "He knows who has it. He knows it's FDLE and Mr. Archer's office. He can take whatever actions he wants and get it from them. Nobody's hiding anything."

Lauten said he intends to set specific deadlines ahead of Loyd's next hearing, which has not been scheduled.

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