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TIMELINE: Jury deliberations to resume Wednesday in Markeith Loyd trial

By WFTV.com News Staff

Video: Closing arguments expected to begin in penalty phase of Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial Closing arguments are expected to begin in the sentencing phase of Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial.

By WFTV.com News Staff

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jury deliberations began in the sentencing phase of Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial on Tuesday.

Jurors are weighing whether Loyd will spend life in prison or get the death penalty.

>>> WATCH THE SENTENCING PHASE <<<

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

5:40 p.m. update

After three hours of deliberation, the jury has concluded its deliberations for the day. The jury will be sequestered in a hotel overnight and will resume deliberations at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

5 p.m. update

Jurors are deliberating whether to recommend life or death for Markeith Loyd for the murder of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton.

Loyd has already been sentenced to life in prison for killing his ex- girlfriend Sade Dixon and her unborn child.

READ: Who is Markeith Loyd?

The jury started deliberating just before 3 p.m.

The decision for a death sentence will have to be agreed on by all 12 jurors.

9:50 a.m. update

The state is presenting its closing argument to the jury.

READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?

9:30 a.m. update

The judge is reading the jury instructions about the case.

Original story:

Loyd was convicted last month of killing Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton back in 2017 and is already serving a life sentence for the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon.

On Monday, defense attorneys argued that Loyd’s difficult childhood, along with mental illness, should keep him from death row.

Photos: Markeith Loyd through the years

The defense rested Monday after some confusion over whether or not Loyd would testify.

The jury has been hearing testimony for more than a week.

READ: TIMELINE: Testimony concludes in penalty phase of Markeith Loyd trial

Proescutors called five rebuttal witnesses, including one of the officers involved in Loyd’s takedown.

Lt. Jonathon Cute said Loyd crawled out of the house he was hiding in and he initially thought Lt. Debra Claytona may have injured him.

“My second thought was that Mr. Loyd has a weapon concealed,” Cute said.

READ: Who is Markeith Loyd?

Cute said that he and another SWAT team member approached Loyd. One officer stepped on Loyd’s head and Cute said he kicked Loyd in the left side of his face. Cute said it happened because he was feared that Loyd was going to shoot them.

The state attorney cleared Cute and the other officer, saying the use of force was justified.

WATCH: ‘Like a sister’: Sheriff, commissioner remember OPD Lt. Debra Clayton

Channel 9 will continue to monitor the penalty phase of the trial.

Check back and watch Eyewitness News for live updates.

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Markeith Loyd (wftv.com)

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