ORLANDO, Fla. — Convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd is competent to proceed with his sentencing in connection with the killing of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, Circuit Court Judge Leticia Marques said in an order Thursday.

Sentencing remains scheduled for March 3 at 9 a.m. EST in Courtroom 23 of the Orange County Courthouse, the order indicated.


What You Need To Know

  • Markeith Loyd ruled competent to be sentenced for murder conviction

  • The sentencing is scheduled for March 3

  • A jury found Loyd guilty of killing Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton

  • The jury recommended the death penalty, but the judge will make the final decision

The judge cited the factors on which she based her decision in the order.

“The defendant has a factual understanding of the proceedings in this case. None of the experts has testified otherwise,” the order said. “The Court further finds the defendant has a rational understanding of the proceedings in this case. The defendant understands the role of the Court, the prosecutors, and defense counsel. The defendant understands and appreciates the charges and allegations against the defendant and the nature of possible penalties in this case. He understands the adversary nature of the legal process. He can, if he wishes, manifest appropriate courtroom behavior and testify relevantly.”

The question on Loyd’s competency was raised prior to his sentencing by a jury and at the end of his Jan. 14 Spencer hearing, which is a proceeding in Florida courts that gives defendants the opportunity to further plead their case against the imposed or suggested sentencing.

Jurors agreed in early December 2021 that Loyd should be sentenced to death after finding him guilty in early November of murdering Clayton in 2017. But ultimately, the judge will make the final decision on his punishment.

In 2019, he avoided capital punishment when a jury recommended life in prison for the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon and her unborn child.

MarkeithLoydOrder by Deanna Gugel on Scribd