Orange County

Judge pushes back penalty phase in Markeith Loyd’s murder trial to December; here’s why

ORLANDO, Fla. — Convicted cop-killer Markeith Loyd will not be sentenced on Saturday for the killing of Orlando officer Debra Clayton.

The judge decided Friday afternoon that evidence was not used in the trial that will need to be reviewed before sentencing can be done.

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The penalty phase should resume in December.

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

The move means the state will need to delay the start of the penalty phase of the trial.

The judge also announced Friday that the jury will be allowed to leave Saturday until a date can be determined that sentencing can be resumed.

WATCH: ‘A step toward justice’: Central Florida reacts to guilty verdict in Markeith Loyd’s murder trial

The issue is about use of force in the case and how much of what happened to Loyd during his arrest could be let in.

The judge was going to allow a little because of what was said during Loyds testimony on Saturday, but now it looks like more about his injuries will be admitted which means the state needs time to prepare.

WATCH: TIMELINE: Markeith Loyd testifies in murder trial on Saturday

Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more details on this change in court proceedings and will have continuing coverage on Eyewitness News.

See more in the video above.

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