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First officer to come into contact with Markeith Loyd night of arrest to take stand for prosecutors

ORLANDO, Fla. — Helicopter video will be shown during the penalty phase in the Markeith Loyd trial that shows Loyd during his capture crawling out of the house, surrendering.

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The defense will tell jurors that during his arrest he was kicked in the face and hit with a rifle. It was that kicking they say caused Loyd to lose his left eye and that his attorney says left him with emotional scars.

TIMELINE: Jury finds Markeith Loyd guilty of murdering Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton

One of the very first officers to come into contact with Loyd that night is expected to take the stand for prosecutors. Some say this is a surprising move since prosecutors want the death penalty.

READ: Sentencing for convicted cop-killer Markeith Loyd delayed over use of force issues

The state attorney’s investigation said the officer did kick Loyd in the left side of the face, but the use of force was justified because police that Loyd was armed.

See the full story in the video above.

READ: Judge in Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial will stay on for penalty phase

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Shannon Butler

Shannon Butler, WFTV.com

Shannon joined the Eyewitness News team in 2013.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.