Death penalty still on the table for Markeith Loyd, judge rules

ORLANDO, Fla. – During a court hearing Thursday morning, a judge ruled that the man accused of murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police lieutenant will still be facing the death penalty if he's convicted.

Attorneys for Markeith Loyd filed motions to prevent death qualification and preclude the death penalty, both of which were denied. 

The judge also denied a defense motion to have State Attorney Aramis Ayala on their witness list if the trial reaches the penalty phase because, the judge said, Ayala would essentially just be giving her opinion.

[TIMELINE: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded]

A request to access documents and evidence related to Loyd's capture will be revisited at a later date when the excessive force investigation is completed by Aug. 1.

Loyd is accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, on Dec. 10 2017, and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton on Jan. 9, 2018, when she attempted to arrest him.

Loyd's first murder trial is set to begin in September. His murder trial in Clayton's case will take place in May 2020.

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