ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Attorneys for convicted murderer Markeith Loyd were back in an Orange County courtroom Friday.
The hearing comes after a judge ruled that prosecutors will not be allowed to talk about the murder of Loyd’s pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, when he goes to trial for a second time.
Loyd’s trial in connection with the slaying of Orlando police Sgt. Debra Clayton is expected to begin on May 1. He’s accused of fatally shooting Clayton as she tried to arrest him outside a Walmart on John Young Parkway on Jan. 9, 2017, weeks after he fatally shot Dixon.
Loyd’s attorneys are asked for more time to prepare for the trial. The judge allowed the defense to have an extra two weeks to continue their exploration of witnesses.
A jury found Loyd guilty in the Dixon case in October and recommended that he be sentenced to life in prison.
If found guilty in his next trial, Loyd could face the death penalty.
[READ: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded | ‘He was aiming for my heart’: Victim’s brother testifies in Markeith Loyd murder trial]
Loyd’s attorney, Terry Lenamon, said that he could possibly use an insanity defense in the upcoming trial. He has until March 2 to file that notice or notify the state of any other possible mental health defense.
After the hearing, Lenamon said he should know whether they’ll be pursuing the insanity defense by the next status hearing.
Loyd is set to be back in court March 6.
Due to technical difficulties, Clickorlando.com was unable to stream today’s hearing.
Check back later for updates on this developing story.