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Jury for Markeith Loyd murder trial to be picked next week

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In exactly one week, a jury will be picked for Markeith Loyd’s second murder trial.

Loyd is accused of killing Orlando police Lt. Deborah Clayton in 2017.

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Due to COVID-19, the trial has been delayed by 18 months, but Loyd wants it delayed longer because of the pandemic.

READ: Markeith Loyd will no longer represent himself in murder trial of Orlando police officer

In a motion, Loyd is asking for a continuance, saying that although the defense doesn’t have precise numbers, “there is anecdotal evidence that somewhere around 50% of jurors who have been summoned are actually showing up for jury duty.”

READ: Trial date set for accused police officer killer Markeith Loyd

In addition, the motion states that COVID-19 has hit African American and Latinx individuals disproportionately and that they are more likely to be hospitalized, and that some jurors who rely on public transportation will opt out.

The judge is bringing in two large groups several days a week -- one in the morning, one in the afternoon -- to try and keep people safe in the process.

READ: ‘Officer Debra was love’ — Friends and family remember slain Orlando officer at candlelight vigil

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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.