Orange County

Judge will decide if Markeith Loyd is competent to be sentenced for killing Officer Debra Clayton

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A judge will now make the decision as to whether Markeith Loyd is competent to be sentenced for murdering Orlando Police Lieutenant Debra Clayton.

Last year, a jury recommended the death penalty for Loyd after convicting him of killing Clayton in 2017.

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On Monday, Loyd was back in court as his attorney tried to prove Loyd is not competent for sentencing.

The defense argued that Loyd is mentally ill and is not competent enough to go through the sentencing phase.

READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?

The defense called Dr. Jeffrey Danzinger to the stand, who said Loyd understands the facts but is not rational.

Prosecutors had Loyd evaluated by their own doctor, who felt Loyd was not as mentally ill as Dr. Danzinger thinks.

PHOTOS: Jury recommends death sentence for Markeith Loyd

It will now be up to the judge to decide if he will be sentenced next month or if sentencing will be put on hold while Loyd receives help.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 3.

READ: ‘She got justice today’: Jury recommends death for Markeith Loyd for murder of Lt. Debra Clayton

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Shannon Butler

Shannon Butler, WFTV.com

Shannon joined the Eyewitness News team in 2013.