Accused cop-killer Markeith Loyd takes stand in murder trial of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton

ORLANDO, Fla. — Accused cop-killer Markeith Loyd told his side of what happened four years ago during testimony Saturday for his second murder trial.

Loyd told his version of what happened outside of a Walmart in 2017 when Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton was shot and killed.

At the time, Loyd was on the run for killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon and claimed his actions were in self-defense.

Loyd claimed he pulled his gun out only after Clayton fired at him first.

When he was asked if he chased Clayton, he said, “It was a gunfight,” and she was the one who fired at him first.

The state said Loyd left the line inside the Walmart, knowing Clayton was a law enforcement officer.

Loyd told the courtroom he was going to turn himself in before the shooting with Clayton but believed the police were going to kill him.

Also on the stand Saturday was clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Jethro W. Toomer, who evaluated Loyd in 2019.

He talked specifically about posts Loyd made on his Facebook page.

The trial will resume Monday, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Loyd.

See more in the video above.

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